What is the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)?
For information on the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) and the 2025-26 Grant Round, refer to information on the COALAR homepage.
How to apply
Before applying, please read the COALAR grant guidelines and familiarise yourself with the two-stage application process beginning with Stage One – Expression of Interest (EOI). If you wish to apply, log onto SmartyGrants to access and view the application forms for both Stage One (EOI) and Stage Two (full grant application).
Will all applicants to the EOI be able to apply for the Stage Two application?
No. Applications for Stage Two are by invitation only. Only applicants shortlisted by the Assessment Panel in Stage One will be able to submit a Stage Two application.
How much funding can I apply for?
In 2025-26, a total of up to $300,000 is available for this grant opportunity. The minimum grant amount is $10,000. 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 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. The final funding amount you receive is at the discretion of the Financial Delegate.
Will I get the whole grant amount I apply for ?
If successful, the full funding amount you apply for is not automatically awarded. After assessment, the Financial Delegate will make the final decision on eligible expenditure and may seek to negotiate alternate funding amounts depending on the activity.
Should the grant funding I request include GST?
GST is not included in COALAR's grant payments 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?
Stage One will close automatically at 1700 AEST on Thursday 4 September. Stage Two will close automatically at 1700 AEST on 3 November 2025.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. The SmartyGrants system automatically closes the grant round and cannot accept late applications.
For Stage Two applicants: 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.
If there are technical issues with my application, what can I do?
The SmartyGrants Helpdesk will be available to provide technical assistance with applications for both Stages One and Two. Questions should be directed during the opening period of each stage of the round to SmartyGrants
What is the maximum duration of the grant?
The standard grant period is one (1) year.
How are applications assessed?
Refer to Section 8 of the Grant Guidelines which provides information about eligibility and 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. As their recommendations will primarily be based on the information provided in the application form, 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 Reasonable Travel Allowances sets out reasonable amounts for overseas travel expenses such as meals and incidentals.
This includes appropriate budget for meals and incidentals during time spent in Latin American countries, calculated on the basis of a salary of $143,650 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?
Stage One applicants will be advised by email of the outcome (both successful and unsuccessful) from 2-3 October 2025.
Stage Two applicants will be advised by email (both successful and unsuccessful) from 15-16 December 2025.
When can I start my project if I am successful at Stage Two?
No earlier than February 2026 and when 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 applications but would 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 have an existing COALAR grant?
Yes. Applications are welcome from those who have received funding in previous grant rounds. 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 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 demonstrate 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 communicating the co-contributions and collaboration between Australian and Latin American partners.
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.