How to apply
Before applying, please read the COALAR grant guidelines and familiarise yourself with the grant application process. If you wish to apply, log onto SmartyGrants to access and view the application form.
Key changes in the 2026-27 Grant Round
Funding amounts
In the 2026-27 grant round, the minimum grant amount has changed to $15,000. Please see section 3.1 of the Grant Guidelines.
Eligibility
If you are based in Australia, you are required to have a project delivery or support partner from at least one of the priority countries in Latin America listed in Section 2.1 of the Grant Guidelines.
If you are based in Latin America, you are required to have an Australian project delivery or support partner who will administer the grant in the currency of Australian dollars (AUD) regardless of where the project takes place (see Section 10.2 of the Grant Guidelines).
How much funding can I apply for?
A total of $300,000 is available for the 2026-27 Grant Round. The minimum grant amount for any one project is $15,000. The maximum grant amount is $50,000.
Co-contributions from applicants and other parties strengthen an application and are strongly encouraged.
You should reach an agreement with your project partner on how to allocate the grant funding before submitting your application. The grant can cover both your expenses and your project partner's expenses.
Ensure you formulate the budget carefully and that the costs are reasonable, realistic and appropriate as you may not be able to amend them later. Your activity and the funding you apply for will be assessed on whether they provide value with money.
If your application is successful, the final funding amount you receive is at the discretion of the Financial Delegate and may be less than for which you applied. The Financial Delegate will make the final decision on eligible expenditure and may seek to negotiate alternate funding amounts depending on the activity.
Can you help me connect with a partner in Latin America or Australia?
No. The Council on Australia Latin America Relations is not able to connect you with partners in Australia or in Latin America. Applicants are expected to be able to identify and work with partners to enable them to complete the proposed project.
Should the grant funding I request include GST?
GST is not included in COALAR's grant payment to you.
Grants are assessable income for taxation purposes, unless exempted by a taxation law. We recommend you seek independent professional advice on your taxation obligations or seek assistance from the Australian Taxation Office. We do not provide advice on your particular taxation circumstances.
What is the closing date?
The SmartyGrants system will close automatically at 12:00 AEST (midday) on Monday 21 September 2026. Only submitted applications will be eligible.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. The SmartyGrants system automatically closes the grant round and cannot accept late applications.
COALAR strongly recommends applicants make an early start on the application and allow sufficient time to complete all requirements, including the upload of all documents and calculation of the budget. You must ensure your budget balances or you will not be able to submit your application.
If there are technical issues with my application, what can I do?
The SmartyGrants Helpdesk is available to provide technical assistance with applications. Questions should be directed during the opening period of the round to service@smartygrants.com.au, +61 3 9320 6888 between 9 am and 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday.
What is the maximum duration of the grant?
The standard grant period is one (1) year.
How are applications assessed?
Refer to Sections 4 and 8 of the Grant Guidelines which provides information about eligibility and the assessment criteria.
In addition, when preparing the application, bear in mind that the assessment committee may not be familiar with the applicant, the organisation or the field of activity. The committee’s recommendations will primarily be based on the information provided in the application form, so your application will need to be clear, accurate, comprehensive and focused.
What can grant money be used for?
Refer to Section 5 of the Grant Guidelines.
What are reasonable amounts for overseas travel expenses?
The ATO Tax Determination sets out reasonable amounts for overseas travel expenses such as meals and incidentals.
This includes appropriate budget for meals and incidentals during any time spent in Latin American countries, calculated on the basis of a salary of $153,210 p.a. and below.
Costs for airfares and accommodation should be budgeted at amounts that can be fully substantiated.
When will I be notified of the outcome?
All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in December 2026 whether they are successful or unsuccessful.
When can I start my project if I am successful?
No earlier than 1 March 2027 and when all documentation has been completed and grant funding has been provided.
When can I receive funding?
Funding will be provided:
- following completion and signing by both parties of the funding agreement;
- when financial arrangements have been established; and
- when all COALAR requirements have been met.
No financial commitments should be entered into prior to the full completion of the financial and administrative COALAR processes.
Can I resubmit a previous application?
Yes. Organisations and individuals are welcome to resubmit project proposals from previous application rounds but will still be required to create a new application in SmartyGrants and meet the eligibility and assessment criteria for the current round.
Can I apply if I previously received a COALAR grant?
Yes. Applications are welcome from those who have received funding in previous grant rounds. However individuals and organisations with outstanding grant acquittals or other compliance issues are not eligible to apply in open rounds.
How do I write a strong application?
- Have a good idea, work out how you are going to execute it and identify a suitable partner in Australia or Latin America to help you with it.
- Read the COALAR Grant Guidelines and ensure your project outcomes are aligned with COALAR's goals and priority areas, as specified in the COALAR Grant Guidelines.
- Write the application for a non-specialist reader, in plain English and have someone else proof read it before submitting.
- Make the impact of the project clear: if COALAR supports your project, what will be new that could not be done without COALAR's support?
- Develop a strong communications plan which demonstrates how your project will generate strong, positive and effective media coverage and commentary on the Australia-Latin America relationship.
- Demonstrate the viability of the project by clearly setting out the co-contributions and collaboration mechanisms between Australian and Latin American partners.