The Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) grant round is now open

The Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) grant round is now open.  Applications can be submitted on-line until the grants round closes at 4pm AEST Thursday 16 April 2015.  Australian organisations and individuals are invited to submit applications outlining projects with clear goals and committed partners.  Grants are usually in the range of AUD20,000 to 30,000.  This is seed funding, to catalyse financial and in-kind commitments by other partners leading to longer term outcomes.

 

The Foundation supports the development and strengthening of enduring people-to-people relationships with Korea covering four strategic areas: Geopolitical Relations; Economics and Trade; Education, Science and Technology; Society, Culture, Arts, Sports and Media. 

 

In the context of the entering into force of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement, in support of President Park's Three Year Plan for Economic Innovation and with reference to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's South Korea Country Strategy, the AKF has designated the following priority areas for 2015-16.

·         Korean Language and Literacy: Projects which develop the language and cross-cultural skills of Australians to effectively engage with Korea and deepen understanding of Korean society, politics and the economy.

·         Economic Diplomacy: Projects which assist Australian businesses, including small to medium enterprises, to maximise the opportunities available under KAFTA and under President Park’s structural reform agenda.  Projects which strengthen relationships of national professional institutions and facilitate Australian services exports to Korea.

·         Science Innovation: Projects which support enduring linkages between Australian and Korea universities and research institutions.  Projects which promote commercialisation of Australian research through partnerships with Korean entities.  Of particular interest are projects related to health, aging and social change.

·         Sports Diplomacy: Projects harnessing major sporting events, including supporting sporting and business relationships between Australia and Korea developed through the 2015 Asian Cup and the forthcoming 2018 Winter Olympics to be hosted by Korea.

 

Further information and on-line application form:

AKF website www.dfat.gov.au/akf

AKF Secretariat, Ceri Teather, australia.korea@dfat.gov.au or +61 2 6261 3869