Australia Awards alumni are warmly invited to apply for a grant up to AUD 5,000 to support an innovative project that aim to make a positive impact in Sri Lanka. Alumni may apply individually or in groups before 15 November 2025.

The Australia Awards aim to build skills, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships between Australia and Sri Lanka and through targeted grants, this program supports alumni-led initiatives that directly contribute to Sri Lanka’s national development goals, with a focus on inclusive growth and sustainable impact. This initiative enables Sri Lankan alumni of Australian universities and short courses to take the lead in addressing the nation’s evolving development priorities.

Each grant, up to AUD 5,000 provides alumni the opportunity to implement short-term projects that address urgent local challenges while aligning with key priority sectors such as:

• Climate resilience, adaptation, and environmental sustainability

• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls

• Disability support and social inclusion

• Engagement with underrepresented communities

• Economic recovery, governance, and stability

Projects integrating gender equality, disability equity, and climate action as cross-cutting themes receive special consideration during the evaluation process.

Eligibility Criteria

Grants are aimed at Australia Awards Sri Lanka alumni who are committed to:

• contributing to development in their home countries using their Australia Awards experience, knowledge, networks and leadership competencies

• organising networking and professional development among alumni from different sectors

• pursuing professional and leadership development activities

To be eligible, applicants of grants will:

• (alumni) reside and be employed in Sri Lanka

• submit applications that are carefully targeted to achieve maximum impact and measurable outcomes

• propose an activity that is aligned with priorities identified in the priority sectors

• propose an activity that incorporates the empowerment of women and girls, gender equality, disability equity and climate action as cross-cutting themes which will be given priority (reflecting the IDP focus in these areas)

• submit complete applications with required documentation during the call for proposal period

Application Process

• Applications are open from 15 October to 15 November 2025, with submissions accepted only via email at alumni@australiaawardssrilanka.org.

• Each proposal undergoes a transparent evaluation based on relevance, feasibility, and measurable outcomes. Successful recipients receive funding in two installments; 60% upon approval and 40% after submission of the final completion and financial reports.

• Grant recipients are required to submit progress and completion reports, participate in evaluations, and adhere to strict financial transparency standards. Any misuse of funds or deviation from approved plans can result in penalties, in line with DFAT’s Fraud Control Toolkit.

Through this initiative, the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to supporting alumni who are actively shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable nation. Whether it’s empowering women entrepreneurs, advancing disability inclusion, or strengthening community climate action, Australia Awards alumni are at the forefront of positive change.

For queries, please email Alumni@australiaawardssrilanka.org. Visit the Small grant scheme for Australia Awards alumni website for more information.