Deadline: 10-Jun-2026
The GLOWS Seeding Research Grant Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led research focused on HIV and viral hepatitis through early-stage research development and capacity-building activities. The programme is designed to strengthen Indigenous-led research leadership, foster community partnerships, and support the development of future research projects that improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The grant provides up to $30,000 for exploratory research activities over a maximum period of three months, culminating in the development of a fully formed research proposal.
About the GLOWS Seeding Research Grant Program
The programme aims to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in HIV and viral hepatitis research by supporting early-stage project development and collaborative planning activities.
Rather than funding full-scale research projects, the grant focuses on helping communities, researchers, and organisations work together to identify priorities, build partnerships, develop research ideas, and prepare future research-ready proposals.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research priorities
- Improve research relating to HIV and viral hepatitis
- Support community-controlled research leadership
- Build research capacity within Indigenous communities
- Foster collaboration between researchers and community organisations
- Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders
- Improve diagnosis and treatment pathways
- Develop future research-ready projects
- Support evidence-based approaches to community health challenges
Projects should demonstrate strong community engagement and Indigenous leadership throughout the development process.
Priority Areas
Indigenous-Led HIV Research
The programme supports initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in HIV research.
Activities may include:
- Community-led research planning
- Identification of research priorities
- Stakeholder consultations
- Research partnership development
- Exploration of community health needs
Projects should reflect Indigenous perspectives and priorities.
Viral Hepatitis Research Development
Funding is available for exploratory work related to viral hepatitis.
Potential focus areas include:
- Prevention strategies
- Diagnosis pathways
- Treatment access
- Community awareness
- Service improvement opportunities
- Research gap identification
Projects should contribute to better health outcomes and future research opportunities.
Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways
The programme encourages research development that improves access to care.
Relevant activities may include:
- Mapping service pathways
- Identifying barriers to diagnosis
- Exploring treatment accessibility
- Community engagement activities
- Service improvement planning
Projects should help inform future interventions and research initiatives.
Community-Controlled Research Leadership
A key priority is strengthening research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Supported activities may include:
- Leadership development
- Community research planning
- Governance strengthening
- Collaborative decision-making processes
- Community consultation
Projects should ensure meaningful Indigenous leadership and participation.
Research Capacity Building
The programme supports activities that strengthen future research capability.
Examples include:
- Research planning workshops
- Partnership-building activities
- Skills development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Proposal development
- Knowledge-sharing activities
The focus is on preparing organisations and researchers for larger future projects.
Funding Available
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to $30,000 in grant funding
- Funding for a maximum project period of three months
The programme does not allow extensions beyond the approved project duration.
What the Funding Supports
Funding is intended to support the development phase of a future research project.
Activities may include:
- Community consultations
- Research planning
- Partnership development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project design
- Capacity-building activities
- Proposal preparation
- Knowledge-sharing activities
The primary outcome should be the completion of a fully developed research proposal.
Expected Project Outcome
At the end of the grant period, applicants are expected to produce:
- A completed research proposal
- A clearly defined future research project concept
- Established partnerships and collaborations
- Evidence of community engagement and leadership
The programme is intended to lay the groundwork for future research funding opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be led by eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals or organisations.
Eligible applications include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects
- Early career researchers working in partnership with eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations
Strong community partnerships are a core requirement of the programme.
Eligible Organisations
To qualify, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation must:
- Be incorporated
- Be governed by a board with more than 51% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members
- Have board members elected by the local community
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Maintain an account with an Australian financial institution
- Demonstrate organisational capacity to deliver the project
Applicants should ensure all governance requirements are met before applying.
Organisational Compliance Requirements
Eligible organisations must also:
- Be compliant with previous funding obligations
- Have no serious funding breaches
- Have no insolvency issues
- Demonstrate appropriate financial management systems
- Show capacity and resources to complete project activities
Applications may be deemed ineligible if these conditions are not satisfied.
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible to apply:
- Individual applicants
- Consultants
- Non-Indigenous organisations
- For-profit entities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses operating for profit
- Government agencies
- Public schools
- Universities
- Unincorporated groups
- Organisations applying through auspice arrangements
Only eligible community-controlled organisations may receive funding.
Additional Ineligibility Conditions
Applications are also ineligible if:
- The organisation is currently receiving a GLOWS programme grant
- The organisation has unresolved reporting obligations
- The organisation has unmet acquittal requirements from Aboriginal Affairs NSW funding within the previous two years
- Serious compliance issues exist
Applicants should ensure all previous funding obligations have been completed.
Why This Grant Matters
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to play a vital role in shaping effective health responses that reflect community priorities, cultural knowledge, and lived experience. Supporting Indigenous-led research helps ensure that future health interventions are relevant, culturally appropriate, and community-driven.
The programme helps:
- Strengthen Indigenous research leadership
- Build research capacity within communities
- Improve HIV and viral hepatitis outcomes
- Foster collaborative partnerships
- Support evidence-based healthcare solutions
- Increase community participation in research
- Develop future funding and research opportunities
By investing in early-stage research development, the programme contributes to stronger Indigenous-led health research and improved community outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum funding available?
Successful applicants may receive up to $30,000. - How long can projects run?
Projects may run for a maximum of three months, with no extensions permitted. - What is the main purpose of the grant?
The funding supports early-stage research development and the creation of a fully developed future research proposal. - Who can lead an application?
Applications must be led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person or an early career researcher working in partnership with an eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation. - Can universities apply directly?
No. Universities are not eligible applicants under this programme. - Can organisations currently receiving GLOWS funding apply?
No. Organisations already receiving a GLOWS programme grant are not eligible. - What topics does the programme support?
Projects must focus on HIV, viral hepatitis, Indigenous-led research priorities, diagnosis and treatment pathways, community leadership, and research capacity building.
Conclusion
The GLOWS Seeding Research Grant Program provides targeted support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research development in HIV and viral hepatitis. With grants of up to $30,000 over three months, the programme helps communities, researchers, and organisations build partnerships, strengthen research capacity, and develop future research-ready proposals. By prioritising Indigenous leadership and community-controlled approaches, the initiative contributes to stronger health research outcomes and improved wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
For more information, visit Lowitja Institute.
