The Australia-India Council (AIC) under its Grant Program is seeking applications from organizations and individuals for projects to be implemented in India in the areas of the Arts, Education, Social Initiatives (including public health and sport), Science/Technology/Environment and Public Policy Activities (including media links). Although under this Program, only Australian organizations and individuals can apply for funding support (with local partnerships), AIC says “Individuals and organisations from India are not permitted to apply directly to the Council for funding assistance. If the project has an Australian partner, that partner should apply for the funding assistance. Individuals or organisations from India who do not have an Australian partner must contact AIC India to discuss their proposal. Applications from Indian individuals and organisations will only be accepted if forwarded to the Council by AIC India.”
“Guidelines and Selection Criteria
All applications are assessed against the AIC’s guidelines for funding. Applicants for funding must comply with these guidelines when submitting proposals for consideration.
1. Individuals or organisations applying for funding should have a substantial record of achievement in the proposed field of activity.
2. The activity should be a worthwhile initiative that will contribute to the AIC’s objectives of promoting a broader and deeper relationship between Australia and India. Preference will be given to projects that showcase Australian excellence to influential Indian audiences, or which expose Indian opinion-makers to the best of Australia.
3. The activity should have clearly defined objectives consistent with the AIC’s objectives.
4. Where possible, support requested from the AIC should constitute seed funding to encourage financial assistance from other sources, including corporate sponsors. The AIC may decide to award funding conditional on supplementary funds being raised from other sources.
5. The project should establish prospects for future independent activity as a result of initial Council funding.
6. Where an activity for which AIC support is sought is dependent upon the support of other organisations either in Australia or in India, evidence of the willingness of each such organisation to provide support, either financially or in kind, should be provided. In-kind support may include accommodation and other services provided without charge in either country. Preference will be given to projects which are able to demonstrate that they have obtained part of their funding from other sources and can provide evidence of such support.
7. Where an activity contains an international airfare component, this should be costed as the applicable economy class excursion fare. The AIC will not reimburse applicants for additional expenses incurred because of late bookings or other problems requiring tickets to be paid for at a higher rate.
8. AIC funding is normally awarded for a specific financial year. If funding cannot be taken up within the specified period it may be withdrawn. Any delay should be reported in good time with, if required, a request for extension to allow the AIC to consider the circumstances and to take any appropriate action.
9. Provision should be made in the application for publicity or promotion of the project. Full acknowledgement of the Council’s support is required in all promotional materials and publications.”
The deadline for submitting proposals under the first round of 2010 is 22 March 2010. For more information, visit this link.
