Call for Applications: AJF 50th Anniversary Grant (Australia and Japan)

The Australia–Japan Foundation (AJF) 50th Anniversary Grant provides up to AUD 200,000 to support projects that strengthen Australia–Japan relations through people-to-people engagement, policy dialogue, and public-facing events. The grant commemorates 50 years of bilateral cooperation while investing in future-focused collaboration, visibility, and impact.

The Australia–Japan Foundation invites applications for its 50th Anniversary Grant, a one-off funding opportunity designed to mark five decades of Australia–Japan relations. The grant supports high-impact initiatives that deepen bilateral engagement, promote mutual understanding, and enhance the visibility of Australia–Japan cooperation across cultural, economic, strategic, and policy domains.

About the Australia–Japan Foundation

The Australia–Japan Foundation is an Australian Government initiative that supports people-to-people links, institutional partnerships, and informed dialogue between Australia and Japan. The 50th Anniversary Grant reflects both the legacy of this relationship and a forward-looking vision for the next 50 years.

Grant Objectives

The AJF 50th Anniversary Grant aims to:

• Commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation between Australia and Japan

• Strengthen and expand bilateral partnerships across sectors

• Foster dialogue, innovation, and a shared future-oriented vision

• Inspire and engage the next generation of leaders

• Promote public awareness through impactful engagement and digital content

• Encourage inclusive and diverse participation, including gender equality and First Nations representation

• Support geographically diverse initiatives across Australia

Key Focus Areas

Funded projects should address one or more of the following priorities:

• Increasing awareness and understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia

• Increasing awareness and understanding in Australia of Japan’s importance as an economic and strategic partner

• Increasing recognition in Japan of Australian excellence, expertise, and innovation

Why This Grant Matters

This grant goes beyond event funding by emphasizing long-term impact and visibility. Successful projects are expected to:

• Strengthen people-to-people and institutional linkages

• Enhance public understanding of Australia–Japan relations

• Support future collaboration in foreign policy, trade, innovation, and culture

• Generate high-quality digital assets that showcase the bilateral relationship well beyond the grant period

Funding Amount and Grant Duration

• Total funding available: Up to AUD 200,000

• Minimum grant request: AUD 30,000

• Maximum grant request: AUD 200,000

• Grant period: Up to one year

• Project start deadline: Projects must commence before 30 June 2026

• GST status: All grant payments are GST exclusive

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Australian entities with an ABN, ACN, or ICN

• Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations

• Local, state, or territory government bodies

• Corporate Commonwealth entities and statutory authorities

• Australian citizens or permanent residents

• Japanese citizens or Japanese organisations
  Additional eligibility conditions:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old

• Applicants must not receive funding from another government source for the same purpose

Partnership and Participation Requirements

• Projects may involve nominated partners in Australia or Japan

• A letter of support from partners is required where applicable

• Universities must provide a letter of support from their Research Office

• Projects involving minors must include child protection guidelines compliant with DFAT policy

How the Grant Works

The AJF 50th Anniversary Grant supports:

• Events, forums, exhibitions, dialogues, or exchanges

• Activities that bring people together physically or digitally

• Initiatives that combine commemoration with future-focused collaboration

• Projects with strong communication, outreach, and promotional strategies

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Design a project that strengthens Australia–Japan engagement and aligns with AJF objectives.

2. Ensure the project can commence before 30 June 2026 and be completed within one year.

3. Prepare a clear plan for promotion and digital engagement before, during, and after the activity.

4. Gather all required supporting documents.

5. Submit the application ensuring no overlap with other government funding.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must provide:

• Two signed independent references

• Organisational capability statement or CV

• Letter of support from nominated partners, if applicable

• Letter of support from the university Research Office (for university applicants)

• Child protection guidelines if the project involves minors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for activities already funded by another government source

• Submitting projects with weak Australia–Japan linkages

• Failing to plan for promotion, visibility, and digital outputs

• Omitting required references or letters of support

• Proposing projects that cannot start before 30 June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the AJF 50th Anniversary Grant?

It is a special funding initiative marking 50 years of Australia–Japan relations, supporting projects that strengthen bilateral engagement and public understanding.

How much funding can I apply for?

Applicants can request between AUD 30,000 and AUD 200,000.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include Australian and Japanese individuals, organisations, government bodies, charities, and institutions that meet the criteria.

How long can my project run?

Projects can run for up to one year and must commence before 30 June 2026.

Are collaborative or partnership projects allowed?

Yes, collaborative projects are encouraged, and partner support letters are required where applicable.

Is promotion and digital content required?

Yes, applicants are strongly encouraged to plan meaningful promotion and produce high-quality digital assets.

Can universities apply?

Yes, universities are eligible but must include a letter of support from their Research Office.

Conclusion

The AJF 50th Anniversary Grant is a significant opportunity to celebrate and strengthen Australia–Japan relations through impactful, inclusive, and future-focused initiatives. By combining commemoration with innovation, public engagement, and digital visibility, the grant supports projects that will shape the next chapter of bilateral cooperation.