ACTIVITIES - Grant funding

Grant funding - Australian studies - Commerce - Education - Indian studies - Institutional and professional links - International relations - Performing and visual arts - Print and electronic media and film - Public awareness - Science and technology - Sport

Most AIC-supported activities, whether initiated by the Council or independently, obtain AIC funding as grants in response to applications under the Council’s formal grant application process.

The grant process enables the initiative and enthusiasm of a wide range of individuals and organisations to be encouraged and supported in furthering the Council’s objectives of broadening and deepening the Australia-India relationship. Council grants often provide significant continuing benefits for a modest initial outlay, in partnership with other agencies, and have sometimes helped to identify areas worthy of more systematic Council program involvement.

Council grant funding has often enabled Australian organisations to invite leading Indian practitioners in the arts, science, the professions and other areas to visit Australia to participate in prestigious events. Noted Indian writer Arundhati Roy, recipient of the 1998 Booker Prize for literature, participated in the Adelaide Writers’ Festival in March 1998 with Council funding support, attracting strong public and news media interest. (Photo: David Lange)

AIC grants are intended to provide seeding funds for innovative proposals that further the aims and objectives of the Council. Under the grant process, applicants complete a detailed form setting out the merits of their case. This process, under which all applicants use consistent documents and all applications are assessed by a standard appraisal procedure, helps to ensure consistency and equity in Council funding decisions.

The Council attaches a series of conditions to its grant funding, including that all grant applications be assessed against the following guidelines:

• individuals or organisations applying for grants should have a substantial record of achievement in the proposed field of endeavour
• the activity should be a worthwhile initiative that will promote a broader and deeper relationship between Australia and India
• the activity should have a clearly defined benefit in terms of the AIC's objectives
• provision should be made for publicity or promotion of the activity, including appropriate acknowledgment of Council support
• wherever possible, requested AIC support should constitute seeding funds to encourage partnership support from other sources, including corporate sponsors, in cash or in kind
• activities should preferably offer prospects of future independent activity following initial AIC funding.

Grant applications are considered by the Council at its meetings, which normally take place three or four times each year. It is the responsibility of grant applicants to ensure that applications are received by the Council at least four weeks prior to the respective Council meeting.

A brief summary of the principal AIC-funded activities, both Council-initiated and in response to independent funding applications, follows for each Council funding program.

Council grant funding has often enabled Australian organisations to invite leading Indian practitioners in the arts, science, the professions and other areas to visit Australia to participate in prestigious events. Noted Indian writer Arundhati Roy, recipient of the 1998 Booker Prize for literature, participated in the Adelaide Writers’ Festival in March 1998 with Council funding support, attracting strong public and news media interest. (Photo: David Lange)

Introduction - Chairman's message - Board members - Mission statement, aim and objectives - Activities - Administrative overview - Appendix: Australia-India Council Trust Account Financial Statements 1997-98