FAQ
What types of organisations qualify as a lead organisation?
To qualify as an eligible Australian lead organisation, an entity must:
- be registered in Australia with an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- be one of the following:
- a company, incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated not for profit organisation
- a Publicly Funded Research Organisation (PFRO), defined as higher education providers listed at Table A and Table B of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and corporate Commonwealth entities, and State and Territory business enterprises, departments or agencies that undertake publicly funded research
- a Cooperative Research Centre
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust, or
- an Australian State, Territory or Local Government agency or body.
Note: Individual researchers are not eligible to apply as lead organisations.
Can individual researchers apply for GSTDF-SE funding?
Researchers cannot apply individually for GSTDF-SE grant funding. Researchers can only apply on behalf of an eligible Australian organisation acting as the lead organisation, such as a company, not-for-profit organisation, Publicly Funded Research Organisation (PFRO), Cooperative Research Centre, or government agency.
Can private sector and academic institutions collaborate on a project?
Yes, private sector organisations and academic institutions can collaborate on a project. The GSTDF-SE program encourages partnerships between diverse organisations, including businesses, universities, and research institutions, to maximise innovation and impact. Collaborations must clearly demonstrate contribution to a primary priority theme and involve at least one eligible project partner organisation from a priority partner country.
Does the project lead at the Australian lead organisation need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
Yes, the project lead (principal investigator or equivalent) at the Australian lead organisation must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and be residing in Australia.
Other personnel involved in the project are not required to meet the same eligibility conditions.
What type of activities are eligible for funding?
Eligible activities include bilateral or multilateral research, industry collaborations, personnel exchanges, and product or service development. Examples of eligible activities are:
- Joint research activities: Conducting experiments, trials, or studies in collaboration with priority project partners to advance research within a priority theme
- Personnel exchanges and secondments: Facilitating the transfer of expertise and skills between Australian organisations and priority project partners
- Product development: Designing, testing, or validating innovative products or technologies, such as next-generation solar cells or RNA vaccines
- Workshops and symposia: Organising international conferences or workshops to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
All activities must directly contribute to the project and align with the program’s objectives and priority themes. The Minister for Industry and Science is the final decision maker on projects to be funded through this program.
What type of activities are not eligible for funding?
The GSTDF-SE program provides funding for eligible activities that directly contribute to the project. However, some activities and expenses are not eligible for funding, including:
- Salary, staff or labour costs for organisations other than the Australian lead organisation: This includes salaries, stipends, or any staff costs for Australian partner organisations, international partners, or their personnel. Only the labour costs of staff employed by the Australian lead organisation, working directly on the project and residing in Australia are eligible
- Project activity expenses incurred by project partners: This includes salaries, travel expenses, or any activities solely undertaken by international and Australian project partners
- Travel costs for non-Australian organisations: Funding from the GSTDF-SE program cannot cover local travel for international personnel to attend workshops or events. These costs should be covered by the international partner organisation as part of their cash or in-kind contributions
- Activities or expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed: Any costs incurred prior to the grant agreement execution date are ineligible for reimbursement
- Indirect and routine operational costs: This includes office rentals, utilities, institutional overheads, administrative charges, and general operational expenses not directly related to the project’s objectives
- Duplicate funding: The program will not fund activities already supported through other Australian Government grants or funding mechanisms. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities are additional to their core operations
- Capital expenses: The purchase of capital assets such as office furniture, vehicles, computers, or building renovations is not eligible.
Example: An Australian organisation leading a workshop in a partner country can use grant funding for the costs of the local workshop event (such as, venue hire or catering), and travel costs for Australian personnel participating in the activity. However, travel or participation costs for the international partner personnel must be covered by the partner organisation.
All proposed activities and expenses must align with the funding use conditions and eligible expenditure guidance in the GSTDF-SE program guidelines and directly support the project’s objectives. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines in full to ensure all budgeted items fit within the relevant eligibility requirements.
Why should international project partners participate in GSTDF-SE projects if they cannot receive direct funding?
International project partners benefit from participating in GSTDF-SE-supported projects through access to cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with Australian organisations. Key benefits include:
- Participation in funded activities: While they cannot receive direct funding, international priority partners can collaborate in eligible activities funded through the Australian lead organisation, such as joint research activities, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events
- Access to expertise and resources: Collaborations provide opportunities for partner organisations to leverage Australia’s research expertise, technologies, and infrastructure to advance shared objectives
- Strengthening relationships: Collaborative projects foster long-term partnerships, enhancing international connections and providing access to future opportunities
- Capacity building: Joint initiatives contribute to skills development and innovation within the international partner’s organisation and country through knowledge sharing and eligible funded joint activities
- Alignment with global priorities: Participation in projects addressing critical themes such as hydrogen production, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing elevates international partners as contributors to global innovation.
By agreeing to partner in collaborative projects funded by the GSTDF-SE program, international organisations will gain tangible and strategic advantage through participation in projects with significant scientific, technological, and economic impact.
Are universities and private sector organisations assessed equally in terms of eligibility?
Yes, universities and private sector organisations are assessed equally against the program’s eligibility criteria, as outlined in the program guidelines. All organisations must meet the eligibility requirements as lead or partner organisations. Applying lead organisations must also be registered in Australia, have an Australian Business Number (ABN), and be one of the eligible entity categories (e.g., company, not-for-profit organisation, Publicly Funded Research Organisation).
The assessment focuses on whether the lead and partner organisations can meet the program’s requirements and successfully deliver or participate in a proposed project, regardless of whether they are from academia or the private sector.
Can our project or activity have multiple partner organisations?
Yes, your project or activity can include multiple partner organisations. While the program requires at least one priority project partner organisation to satisfy the project eligibility requirements, you can also include additional partners from Australia or non-priority partner countries.
All partners, whether from priority or non-priority countries, should demonstrate how they contribute meaningfully to the project and its objectives. However, having at least one priority partner is mandatory to meet the program’s project eligibility criteria.
Do all partners need to be based in priority partner country?
No, not all partners need to be based in a priority partner country. The program requires at least one eligible priority project partner that must be an organisation domiciled and registered in a priority partner country to satisfy the eligibility requirements. Additional partners can include organisations based in Australia or non-priority partner countries, as long as they contribute meaningfully to the project and its objectives.
What happens if a partner’s eligibility changes after submission?
If a partner’s eligibility changes after the application is submitted, the Australian lead organisation must notify the program administrators immediately. The change will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine its impact on the project’s eligibility and feasibility.
If the change affects the ability to meet the program's eligibility requirements, such as losing a priority project partner, the project may no longer be eligible for consideration or funding. The lead organisation may need to propose adjustments or replacements to maintain eligibility, and all project variation or proposal adjustment requests require written approval.
Can my organisation submit multiple applications?
Yes, your organisation can submit multiple applications, provided each application is for different projects that each meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Each application will be assessed independently, and funding will be allocated based on merit and in alignment with the program’s objectives and priority themes.
It is important to clearly demonstrate that your organisation has the capacity to manage and deliver all proposed projects if multiple applications are successful.
If our organisation is based outside Australia, can we participate in the GSTDF-SE program?
Yes, organisations based outside Australia can participate in the GSTDF-SE program as project partners. However, the lead organisation must be an eligible Australian entity as outlined in the program guidelines. As an international partner, your organisation can collaborate on project activities and contribute to the project through cash or in-kind support.
While international organisations cannot receive direct funding, they can benefit from participating in funded activities, such as workshops, research collaborations, and personnel exchanges, as outlined in the project plan.
Can I apply for GSTDF-SE funding if I work for an organisation outside Australia?
No, only eligible Australian organisations can apply for GSTDF-SE funding as the lead organisation. However, if you work for an organisation outside Australia, your organisation may still participate as a project partner. To be eligible, the project must include a lead organisation based in Australia and align with the program’s eligibility requirements, including having at least one priority project partner from a priority partner country. All applications must be submitted by an eligible lead Australian entity.
What are the eligibility criteria for partner organisations?
The program aims to support the development of genuine connections between Australian organisations and organisations domiciled and registered within priority partner countries. While partners from non-priority countries may be included, at least one eligible priority project partner is required.
Priority partners must:
- be legally recognised entities domiciled and registered in a priority country listed in
- not have their headquarters or main office located in Australia
- be legally recognised entities registered in a priority partner country listed in the GSTDF-SE round 2 program guidelines.
All project partners must be unrelated entities to the lead Australian organisation.
What is the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE)?
The Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE) is a grant program designed to support bilateral and multilateral science and research collaborations between Australia and selected priority partner countries. Delivered by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) and the Australian Academy of Science (the Academy) on behalf of the Australian Government, it provides grants ranging from A$100,000 to A$1,000,000 for projects that contribute to one of the program’s priority themes.
What are the key dates for the EOI and full application submission process?
- EOI submission deadline: 4 May 2025
- Full application invitations: Expected in July 2025 for shortlisted applicants
- Final outcome announcement: Expected October 2025
- Project commencement: Expected from November 2025, with a duration of 1 to 3 years.
All dates are subject to change. Applicants should check the program website for the latest updates.
What type of projects will be funded through the GSTDF-SE program?
The GSTDF-SE program funds collaborative science and research projects that contribute to one or more of the priority themes for the program. Projects must be led by a single eligible Australian organisation and include at least one priority partner country.
For example:
- Artificial Intelligence: Developing machine learning applications to improve national health information systems
- Advanced Manufacturing: Creating innovative technologies to increase Australia's supply chain resilience or reduce emissions in the manufacturing industry
- Quantum Computing: Designing quantum processors to strengthen national cybersecurity
- Hydrogen Production: Researching methods to decarbonise energy or industrial sectors
- RNA (including mRNA) Vaccines and Therapies: Developing RNA vaccines to address diseases affecting Australian livestock and food security.
Projects must align with the program’s objectives and be comprised of eligible activities that directly relate to achieving the expected outcomes of the project, such as joint research, prototyping, secondments, or commercialisation initiatives with approved priority project partners.
What are the objectives of the GSTDF-SE program?
The GSTDF-SE program aims to strengthen Australia’s science and technology capabilities by funding strategic international science and research collaborations with priority project partner countries. The GSTDF-SE program provides Australian researchers with access to global expertise and infrastructure while also building science capacity in partner countries through knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial science and research activities.
How much funding is available in this round?
A total of $6.3 million in grant funding is available for this round. Individual grants will range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, providing targeted support for collaborative international research projects that contribute to one or more of the program’s priority themes.
Why were these priority themes and priority partner countries chosen?
The priority themes and priority partner countries were selected based on their strategic importance to Australia's science, technology, and research objectives. These decisions align with Australia’s national priorities, emerging global challenges, and provide opportunities for high-impact international collaboration. Priority themes and priority partner countries are subject to review and may be revised in future rounds.
Are there examples of projects funded in the first round?
In the first round of the GSTDF-SE program, grants were awarded to a range of bilateral and multilateral projects across the priority themes, including:
- Hydrogen Production: Advancing sunlight-to-hydrogen conversion for a sustainable future (University of New South Wales, $749,600)
- Advanced Manufacturing: Developing carbon-neutral modular panels for affordable housing (University of Melbourne, $599,445)
- Artificial Intelligence: Building a global hub for advanced materials and integrated optoelectronics (University of Queensland, $1,000,000)
- Quantum Computing: Developing next-generation solar cells using advanced green manufacturing and automation technology (Macquarie University, $496,881)
- Advanced Manufacturing: Advancing additive manufacturing solutions to address critical minerals supply challenges (University of Sydney, $999,829).
These projects demonstrate how the GSTDF-SE grant funding supports innovative, collaborative research that contributes to Australia’s science, technology, and economic priorities. The full list of round one recipients is available here.
Are multilateral projects given priority over bilateral projects?
No, multilateral projects are not given priority over bilateral projects and both types of projects are treated equally in the GSTDF-SE program. Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the program’s objectives and priority themes, regardless of whether they involve bilateral or multilateral collaborations.
How does the GSTDF-SE program support international science collaboration?
The GSTDF-SE program supports international science collaboration by providing grant funding to eligible Australian organisations to lead projects that involve collaborative partnerships with organisations from priority partner countries. These collaborations focus on advancing research, developing innovative technologies, and addressing global challenges within one of the program’s priority themes. The program promotes long-term relationships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building between Australian and international partners and aims to strengthen science research capability in both Australia and priority partner countries.
Are there limits on how much funding can be allocated to individual cost categories (e.g., travel, labour)?
There are no specified limits on how much funding can be requested for individual cost categories. However, all budgeted expenses must be reasonable, relate directly to the project, and align with the use of funds and eligible expenditure guidelines.
Applicants should ensure that costs are well-justified and proportionate to the project’s objectives. The assessment process will consider the appropriateness and viability of the budget when evaluating applications.
What is the expected amount for partner project co-contributions?
There is no minimum or maximum requirement for partner project co-contributions. However, given the collaborative nature of the GSTDF-SE program, it is expected that all project partners, including the lead Australian entity, will demonstrate suitable and proportionate co-contributions—whether by way of cash contribution, in-kind, or both—that are proportionate to the scale and objectives of the proposed project.
Co-contributions help to demonstrate the commitment of all partners to the project and should be clearly outlined in the application, including details of the type and value of the contributions.
Are cash and in-kind contributions from project partners treated equally?
Yes, both cash and in-kind contributions from project partners are considered valuable and are treated equally in the assessment process. What matters most is that the contributions, whether cash contributions or in-kind, are clearly defined, appropriately valued, and demonstrate the partner's commitment to the project.
In-kind contributions may include resources such as facilities, equipment, or staff time, while cash contributions provide direct financial support for project activities. All contributions should be proportionate to the project’s scope and objectives and must be clearly detailed in the application.
Can grant funds be used to purchase large equipment or infrastructure?
No, grant funds cannot be used to purchase large equipment or infrastructure. The GSTDF-SE program does not support capital expenditure, such as the purchase of office furniture, vehicles, computers, or the construction, renovation, or extension of facilities like buildings or laboratories.
Eligible expenses must directly support project activities and align with the program’s objectives. For more information on eligible and ineligible expenditures, refer to the program guidelines.
What happens if actual project costs exceed the approved budget?
If actual project costs exceed the approved budget, the additional costs must be covered by the lead organisation or project partners. The GSTDF-SE program will not provide additional funding beyond the approved grant amount.
It is essential to plan your budget carefully during the application process and ensure it accurately reflects the scope and needs of your project. Any changes to the approved budget must be pre-approved by the program team.
Are indirect costs, such as institutional overheads, covered by the grant?
Applicants may apply an additional 30 per cent on-cost amount to direct labour expenses to cover administrative overheads, such as employer paid superannuation, payroll tax, workers compensation insurance, and overheads such as office rent and the provision of computers.
No other indirect costs, including institutional overheads, are covered by the GSTDF-SE grant. Eligible expenses must be directly related to the project activities and align with the program’s objectives.
Apart from the accepted labour on- costs mentioned above, examples of ineligible indirect expenses for funding under the GSTDF-SE program include general, non-labour specific administrative charges, project management fees, utilities, and any other institutional overheads. For a detailed list of ineligible expenditures, refer to the program guidelines.
What activities can GSTDF – SE funding be used for?
GSTDF-SE funding can be used for activities that directly support the project’s objectives and align with the program’s priority themes. Eligible activities include:
- Bilateral or multilateral research and commercialisation projects with priority partner organisations
- Joint industry research projects contributing to a primary priority theme with Australian and priority partner collaborators
- Workshops, conferences, or symposia to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Personnel exchanges and secondments to transfer skills and build capacity between Australian and priority partner organisations
- Product or service development activities such as prototyping, testing, validation, or compliance work related to a priority theme
- Software development and beta testing for specific applications aligned with a priority theme.
All activities must relate directly to the project activities and be outlined in the approved project budget. Further details can be found in the GSTDF-SE guidelines.
Does the $5,000 cap apply separately to each IP-related activity (e.g., patent searches, provisional filings), or is it the maximum amount allowed for the combined total of all IP-related expenses?
Each eligible IP-related item (such as Freedom to Operate searches or provisional patent applications) is capped at $5,000. While there is no total limit for all IP-related costs, each item must have a strong rationale provided in the full application budget outline.
As an international partner, are we eligible to receive GSTDF-SE funding?
No, international partners are not eligible to receive direct GSTDF-SE funding. Grant funds can only be used to cover eligible expenses incurred by the lead Australian organisation.
However, international partners can benefit from participating in funded project activities, such as workshops, research collaborations, and personnel exchanges, and are encouraged to provide cash or in-kind contributions to support the project. These contributions demonstrate the partner's commitment and enhance the overall impact of the collaboration.
What information needs to be included in the EOI submission?
The EOI submission identifies projects that align with a priority theme and demonstrate potential impact. Applicants must provide a:
- project overview (500 words max) – a summary of the project, including its purpose and alignment with the selected primary priority theme
- project outcomes (300–500 words) – expected outputs and outcomes, explaining how the project contributes to the primary priority theme
- expense budget and partner co-contributions – a high-level budget outlining how grant funds will be used and an overview of cash and in-kind contributions from all project partners
- short CV (max. 3 pages) – a brief CV of the project lead from the Australian lead organisation
The highest ranked EOIs will be reviewed by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, with selected applicants invited to submit a full application.
How is an EOI submission assessed?
EOI submissions undergo an eligibility check and are then assessed by an independent expert panel based on their:
- relevance to the selected priority theme (50%)
- expected outputs and outcomes (30%)
- feasibility of the proposed budget (20%)
The highest ranked EOIs will be reviewed by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, with selected applicants invited to submit a full application.
What additional information is required in the full application, and how is it different from the EOI submission?
The full application builds on the information from the EOI submission by providing a more detailed and comprehensive proposal outline. While the EOI demonstrates the projects alignment with a priority theme and its potential impact, the full application requires additional evidence for the expert panel to effectively assess the projects feasibility, governance frameworks, and overall project execution.
In a full application, submissions must include:
- Detailed budget and co-contribution outline – a breakdown of all project expenses, including full details of cash and in-kind contributions
- Letters of support – formal letters from the lead Australian organisation and all partner organisations outlining their commitment and contributions to the project activities
- Project management and governance plans – details on how the project will be managed, including governance structures, risk management (e.g., national security, intellectual property), and oversight mechanisms
- Short CVs (max. 3 pages each) – CVs from the project lead at all partner organisations
- National security and risk assessment – responses to specific questions on managing foreign interference, due diligence on project partners, and risk mitigation strategies.
The full application is assessed more rigorously than the EOI, with a strong focus on project feasibility, governance, and national benefits. Applications are evaluated based on their ability to deliver measurable outcomes, demonstrate how risks will be managed effectively, and contribute to Australia’s broader science and technology objectives.
How is a full application assessed?
Full applications are assessed against the program’s evaluation criteria, which consider the following key areas:
- Alignment with program objectives (e.g., advancing Australia’s science and technology capabilities, fostering international collaboration, and supporting priority themes)
- Capacity to manage and deliver the project (e.g., the lead organisation’s expertise, governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and partner contributions)
- Broader national benefits (e.g., strengthening Australia’s international science relationships, contributing to economic growth, and building capacity in priority partner countries).
Each criterion is weighted, and applications are scored based on the evidence provided in the full application submission. Applications are reviewed by expert assessors, who evaluate the feasibility, alignment, and potential impact of the proposed project. A full outline of the application assessment criteria can be found in the program guidelines.
Can I add or remove partners at the full application stage?
Changes to partner organisations or project leads after the EOI submission are considered on a case-by-case basis. Since the EOI has been approved, changes can be proposed but are not permitted without prior written approval from the program team.
Any changes must ensure the project proposal continues to meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including having at least one eligible priority project partner domiciled and registered in a priority partner country.
Can I update or resubmit my EOI before the deadline?
Yes, you can update or resubmit your EOI before the submission deadline. To make changes, you will need to contact the program team and request that your EOI form be reopened. Once it is reopened, you can revise your application and resubmit it prior to the application deadline.
Only the most recent submission received before the application deadline will be considered final. Applicants must ensure all updates are accurate and complete, as late submissions or changes after the submission deadline will not be accepted.
What happens if an error is identified in the EOI after the submission deadline?
Changes to your EOI submission are not permitted after the submission deadline. However, if the error relates to a person’s contact information, or if it could significantly affect the eligibility assessment of the submission, applicants should contact the program team at info@glodip.org.au as soon as possible to discuss potential options.
How detailed does the budget need to be in the EOI?
The EOI budget outline should provide a high-level summary of project expenses using the provided Excel template. Applicants must categorise their project costs under relevant expense types (e.g., labour costs, travel costs, direct research costs) and provide:
- an expense outline – a brief description of the type of project cost (e.g., salaries for research staff, travel expenses, lab consumables)
- a reason for the expense – justification for how the expense relates to project activities (e.g., staff directly engaged in project work, travel for planned workshops, consumables for research activities with priority partners)
- the total expense amount – an estimated cost for each expense category outlined in the budget.
The budget should reflect realistic and reasonable costs for delivering the proposed project, but itemised expense breakdowns are not required at the EOI stage. If the EOI is successful, a more detailed expense breakdown will be required at the full application stage.
Can I submit a full application without submitting an EOI?
No, you cannot submit a full application without first submitting an EOI. Only applicants who have submitted an EOI and received an invitation to proceed to the full application stage are eligible to submit a full application for consideration. Full application forms are provided directly to successful EOI applicants and cannot be accessed otherwise.
What criteria are used to assess alignment with the priority themes?
A project's alignment with the selected primary priority theme is assessed at both the EOI and full application stages. At the EOI stage, assessors evaluate how well the project focuses on the selected priority theme and aligns with the program objectives. At the full application stage, alignment is assessed based on how the project contributes to advancing scientific and technological capabilities, supporting economic growth, and strengthening collaborations with priority partner countries in the priority area. Full details on assessment criteria are available in the program guidelines.
Are the priority themes weighted during assessments?
No, the priority themes are not weighted during assessments. All themes are considered of equal strategic importance, and applications contributing to any of the priority themes will be assessed equally based on their merit, alignment with program objectives, and overall impact.
How are assessors selected for reviewing EOIs and full applications?
Assessors are selected based on their expertise in relevant scientific, technological, and industry fields. The review panel consists of independent experts with experience in the program’s priority themes, international collaboration, and research-industry partnerships. Assessors are appointed by ATSE and the Academy to ensure a fair, merit-based evaluation process and must declare any conflicts of interest before reviewing proposals.
Following the independent review, assessment outcomes are provided in full to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to support the decision-making process.
How are co-contributions evaluated during the assessment process?
Co-contributions are assessed on their proportionality, relevance, and feasibility in supporting the project activities and overall delivery of outcomes. Assessors consider whether contributions, both cash and in-kind, are appropriate for the project’s scale, align with the proposed activities, and if they demonstrate meaningful commitment from project partners.
While there is no minimum or maximum amount required, co-contributions help strengthen the proposal by showcasing project partner investment and support. The assessment process ensures that proposed contributions are realistic, auditable, and add value to the project’s delivery and outcomes.
What role do international partner organisations play in the application process?
International priority partner organisations play a crucial role in the development and delivery of proposed projects. While international partner organisations cannot be the lead applicant, they must actively collaborate with the Australian lead organisation and contribute expertise, resources, and capabilities that strengthen the project’s outcomes.
During the EOI stage, international partners are identified, and their role in the project must be outlined. At the full application stage, all project partners must provide a letter of support confirming their commitment, detailing their contributions (cash or in-kind), and describing their involvement in project activities.
Can I get feedback on my EOI or full application after assessment?
Feedback is only available in relation to full applications; EOI applicants will not receive feedback. Applicants invited to submit a full application may request general feedback on areas of strength and potential improvement, however, assessors' scores, rankings, or detailed comments will not be provided.
To request feedback, full applicants should contact the program team at info@glodip.org.au after receiving their assessment outcome.
What happens if a project partner withdraws after the EOI or full application has been submitted?
If a project partner withdraws from the collaboration after submission, the lead applicant must immediately notify the program team at info@glodip.org.au. All changes to project partners will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine the impact on project eligibility and feasibility.
If the withdrawal of a partner affects the project's ability to meet eligibility requirements, the application may no longer be eligible to receive grant funding.
What are the obligations of grant recipients during the grant period?
Grant recipients must adhere to the terms and conditions of their funding agreement, ensuring that all project activities are undertaken in line with the approved project proposal. Key obligations include:
- Project management – delivering the project as outlined in the approved application, including achieving key milestones and expected outcomes
- Financial management – extending grant funds only for approved eligible expenses and maintaining accurate financial records and outlined in the funding agreement
- Reporting requirements – submitting all required reports, including supporting financial statements and reports as specified in the funding agreement
- Compliance and governance – adhering to relevant legislation, policies, and program conditions, including risk management and national security obligations as outlined in the funding agreement and program guidelines
- Collaboration and engagement – maintaining active engagement with project partners to successfully manage project activities, notifying the program team of any significant project or partner changes.
Failure to meet obligations outlined in the program guidelines and project funding agreements may impact future payments or require grant repayment.
I can’t log into the grant application portal. Where can I get help?
you are experiencing issues logging into the grant application portal, please first check the SmartyGrants Applicant FAQs webpage. If the issue persists, contact SmartyGrants on 03 9320 6888 or service@smartygrants.com.au.
SmartyGrants will redirect inquiries related to proposal changes or program information to the program team.
Can I transfer my grant to another organisation if my circumstances change?
No, grants cannot be transferred to other organisations. The lead Australian organisation listed in the application is the formal grant recipient and is responsible for delivering the project under the funding agreement. If circumstances change, the organisation must contact the program team at info@glodip.org.au immediately to discuss the situation.
Is there support available to help with grant administration during the project?
Grant recipients are entirely responsible for managing the administration of their project and funding in accordance with their executed agreement. While direct administrative support is not provided, the program team is available to assist with grant-related queries, reporting requirements, and questions relating to funding compliance obligations throughout the project.
Can I request an extension to the project timeline if delays occur?
Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the program team. If delays occur, the lead organisation should contact info@glodip.org.au as soon as possible to discuss the situation.


