Small grant scheme for Australia Awards alumni

Australia Awards are provided to build the skills and knowledge of individuals so that they can contribute to their country’s development, and to support the ongoing development of links between Australia and the countries to which it provides aid.

In line with its new International Development Policy, Australia’s current development cooperation program in Sri Lanka will focus on:

  • climate resilience, adaptation and environment sustainability
  • gender equality and women’s empowerment
  • disability support and inclusion
  • engagement with underrepresented communities
  • economic recovery
  • governance and stability

Crosscutting thematic priorities that should be addressed in projects include empowering women and girls, gender equality, disability equity and climate action.

Profound challenges continue to reshape our world, testing the collective resolve of people. The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka intends to support and build on alumni initiatives directly connected to addressing the above priority sectors in Sri Lanka through the offering of a small grant scheme that can be accessed by Australia Awards alumni in Sri Lanka.

Alumni proposals that are linked to the below priority sectors and incorporate gender equality, disability equity and climate action as cross-cutting themes will be given priority and evaluated in the selection process.

Funding will be available for a maximum of AUD 5,000 per grant project linked to the aforementioned priority areas and incorporate gender equality, disability equity and climate action as cross-cutting themes. All projects must be completed within 9 months of grant signing.

Interested applicants should read the information below on how to apply.

The objectives of the small grants scheme are to:

  • support alumni to implement initiatives that address priority sectors defined under Australia’s development partnership plan for Sri Lanka and International Development Policy
  • strengthen the role of alumni as leaders in development
  • support alumni to establish and maintain networks with Australians and Australian organisations
  • foster collaboration among alumni and between institutions
  • establish a platform for sector specialists/organisations to develop linkages/consortiums that can continue to work without the support of a grant
  • enhance the Australia Awards experience of scholars to make them more engaged as alumni.

The small grant scheme is designed to assist proactive alumni in implementing activities contributing to sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

All Australia Awards alumni currently residing in the Sri Lanka are invited to submit applications, including those who studied in Australia through an Australia Awards Scholarship or Short Course, an Endeavour Scholarship or Fellowship.

Applications may be submitted as:

  • An individual alumnus/alumna
  • A group consisting of up to five global alumni (the principal applicant MUST be an Australia Awards Scholarships or Short Course alumni)

A duly filled application form and budget, together with other required documentation, must be submitted to alumni@australiaawardssrilanka.org by 15 November 2025. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

Opportunities are awarded on a competitive basis and all decisions are final.

For further details on eligibility criteria, the application process and other formalities, please refer to the small grant scheme guidelines in the application document section below.

Grant Application and Reporting Template

Grant Guidelines