What's the AJF looking for in this round?
The grant guidelines provide information about eligibility and assessment criteria.
The AJF aims to:
- increase awareness and understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia
- increase awareness and understanding in Australia of the importance of Japan to Australia as an economic and strategic partner
- increase recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise.
In addition to contributing to the aims of the AJF, your grant activity should address one of the AJF's priority areas (Communication, information and advocacy; Economic diplomacy and geopolitics; Education and Australian studies; Scientific innovation; Society, culture and sport).
The AJF will prioritise high-quality programs that address one or more of the following core principles:
- gender equality
- recognition/inclusion of First Nations people
- recognition/inclusion of diversity
The AJF Board would also like to highlight the following key points:
Communication is key: The AJF looks for projects that generate positive and effective media coverage and commentary on the Australia-Japan relationship, promote a contemporary and positive image of Australia and support the Australian Government's international policy goals. A strong and effective communication plan for your project activities is crucial for maximising the impact and reach of your project to a wide audience.
Project partners: The AJF Board considers the capability and capacity of you as an applicant and your project partner. You'll need to have a project partner identified and show that you've had some engagement with that partner, and commitment to the project from that partner. We'll look at your past achievements and your track record of successful partnerships.
Diversity of projects: We're interested in projects based in locations outside of big metropolitan areas. There's no quota for priority areas or types of projects.
Non-commercial activities: We sometimes get applications for support for what are routine business operations. If that's the kind of activity the person or organisation is engaged in, it would be more appropriate to have a conversation with our colleagues in Austrade instead of seeking support from the AJF.
Research projects: We receive a lot of very high-quality applications from universities and research institutes; however, the AJF's mandate is not to support the creation of research. We're really interested in the dissemination stage and in communicating the results, i.e. the phase of the project where the impact and the visibility of both Australia's and Japan's research capabilities can really be shown to the public and shared with the wider community.
Tips for writing a strong application
- Have a good idea, work out how you're going to execute it and find a keen partner in Japan or Australia to help you with it.
- Read the grant guidelines and ensure your project outcomes are aligned with AJF objectives, priority areas and core principles.
- Make the impact of the project clear. If the AJF supports your project, what will be new that couldn't be done without AJF support?
- Develop a strong communications plan. Demonstrate how your project will generate positive and effective media coverage on the Australia-Japan relationship and promote a contemporary and positive image of Australia.
- Demonstrate the viability of the project by making the co-contributions and collaboration between Japanese and Australian partners clear. What will project partners bring to the table, either in cash or in-kind support?
- If your project proposal includes travel, articulate an alternative/virtual plan to deliver the project.
- Write the application for a non-specialist reader and have someone else read it before you submit.