Australia-Japan Foundation Grant Program for 2015-16 - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) seeks to advance Australia's engagement with Japan by supporting cultural, academic, business and community exchange and facilitating informed discussion on key bilateral foreign and trade policy issues.  The AJF board is also committed to supporting reconstruction efforts for communities of the Tohoku region in north Eastern Japan.  The annual grants program facilitates this engagement.

The 2015-16 Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) grants program reflects the AJF's priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plan (2014-17) on the AJF's website.   In addition, this year, the AJF will support up to six Publication Awards capped at AUD10,000 each.  

Applications can be submitted online until the grants round closes on Monday 20 April at 11.00pm (AEST).

The AJF Board encourages strong, outcomes-focussed proposals under the following six priority areas:

i)       Reconstruction - proposals that will make a tangible difference by assisting communities of the north eastern Tohoku region to recover from the devastation of the earthquake/tsunami of 11 March 2011.

ii)      Economics and Trade – proposals supporting economic diplomacy relating to Australia’s trade and investment relationship with Japan particularly since the entry into force of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.

iii)     Security and Regional/International Relations – proposals supporting Australia and Japan’s shared contribution to promoting peace and stability in the region and globally.

iv)     Education and Science – proposals that support the government's initiative of the New Colombo plan; collaboration and exchange in education and science at all levels; and cooperation and collaboration between leading tertiary education and science institutions in Australia and Japan in areas of mutual interest.

v)      Society and Culture – proposals promoting professional, community and institutional linkages between Australia and Japan which highlight Australian excellence and expertise in Japan and enhances mutual understanding, friendship and respect.

vi)     Communication, Information and Advocacy – Proposals that contribute to relevant and up-to-date information which project an accurate and positive image of Australia in Japan, celebrate the enduring nature of the bilateral relationship and increase public understanding of the importance of the Australia-Japan relationship in both countries.

Applications can be made online at http://australia.or.jp/ajf/en/awards/grants.  For further information, please refer to the AJF's website at www.dfat.gov.au/ajf or contact Sheree Minehan (AJF Manager) at ajf.australia@dfat.gov.au; telephone: (02) 6261 3898.