Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) Round 2025-26

In the CAAR Grant Round 2025-2026, successful grant proposals will align with at least one of the priority sectors:

• Climate Change and the Clean Energy Transition
• Social Cohesion (including Gender Equality) 
• Health and Sport 

Objectives include: 

• strengthen bilateral relationships in areas of mutual interest with countries and regions in MENA
• foster international networks, collaboration and connections between institutions and communities to build understanding, trust, and influence
• enhance Australian international reputation and reach through the promotion of our economic, creative and cultural, sporting, innovation and science and education assets, and
• increase understanding in the Australian public of the cultures and opportunities in MENA countries.

These priorities reflect global challenges and opportunities for collaboration that deliver meaningful outcomes. Aligned with the Australian Government’s priorities and CAAR’s Strategic Framework 2025, the program promotes innovative public diplomacy and dynamic engagement to showcase the value of Australian-Arab partnerships.

Global Engagement provides Global Strategy Framework and Country Engagement Briefs. The Global Strategy and Partnerships (GSP) team welcome inquiries to identify potential partners in destination countries. 

Overview

Eligibility

Please consult the guidelines for the eligibility of your project. 

Funding

The estimated grant value is from $20,000 to $60,000 per annum. Co-contributions from applicants and other parties will strengthen an application.

Some activities that the grant money cannot be used for:

• Subsidy of general ongoing administration of an organisation such as electricity, phone, rent, salaries (including for research assistants or administrative staff)
• Activities for which other Commonwealth, state, territory, or local government bodies have primary responsibility (e.g., academic research, assistance to business, development assistance projects)

How to apply

All applications must be submitted electronically by the applicant using DFAT's SmartyGrants online application form by 28 November 2025.

The GSP team will provide a letter of support template, application cover sheet template to be completed by the applicant, brief UQ capacity statement and information on UQ's engagement in the country of your application upon request. See resources available under 'Key resources'. 

Please allow 7 working days for the GSP team to process the letter of support. Letter of support will be issued after the signed cover sheet is received by the GSP team.