Small grant scheme for Australia Awards alumni

Australian alumni in Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been instrumental in providing significant contributions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. In responding to recovery initiatives connected to the impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) intends to support and build on these alumni initiatives through offering 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 will be given priority in the selection process.

  • Support economy recovery including sustainable and inclusive livelihood opportunities for women and people with a disability; and
  • Promote stable, cohesive and inclusive societies including activities relating to governance, environmental security, social protection and gender-based violence.
  • Address health security including issues related to water, sanitation and hygiene, emergency health and public health awareness campaigns.

Funding will be available for a maximum of AUD 5,000 per grant project linked to achieving sustainable development goals while responding to the pandemic and the economic crisis initiated by alumni. All projects must be completed within 6 months of grant signing.

 

The objectives of the small grants scheme are to:

  • Increase sustainability in the development objectives of Sri Lanka
  • Combine capacities of skilled professionals to achieve common development objectives, and
  • Establish a platform for sector specialists/organisations to develop linkages/consortiums that can continue to work with/or without the support of a small grant.

The small grants are designed to assist proactive alumni in implementing activities contributing to sustainable development in Sri Lanka. Alumni can propose a development related activity that supports Sri Lanka to address challenges in the wake of COVID-19, with a particular focus on gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, health security, stability, social cohesion and economic recovery connected to the effects of COVID-19.

All Australia Awards alumni currently residing in 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 January 2023. 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 the small grant scheme guidelines in the application document section below.

Application Form and Template

Grant Guidelines