Maitri Grants

Business Engagement: As a catalyst for business, the Centre is focused on supporting business research which helps Australian companies access and understand market opportunities in India, with a particular focus on projects that: 

• Accelerate commercialisation of research 

• Showcase innovative collaboration opportunities specific to Australia and India.  

• Investigate new strategies for Australian companies to engage with India.  

• Disseminate case studies, analyse regulatory environments, or research emerging sectors where Australia and India can collaborate for mutual benefit.  

Policy discourse: The Centre supports more informed public discourse about both countries and the relationship. The Centre welcomes projects that:  

• Enhance quality dialogue of issues relevant to the bilateral relationship 

• Facilitate stronger Australian media representation in India and informed coverage of Australia in India. 

Diaspora engagement: The Centre is a platform for diaspora champions and is, keen to support projects that mobilise Indian Australians to advance engagement with India and increase awareness of the value the Indian diaspora brings to our bilateral relationship. Focus areas include projects that promote and support Indian Australian leaders across business, academia, science, the arts and civil society. 

Cultural connections: The Centre aims to act as a facilitator for cultural connections between Australia and India, to foster lasting relationships and institutional ties through flagship projects and creative industries. Key focus areas include: 

• Fostering flagship programs which promote collaboration between Australian and Indian cultural institutions. E.g. partnerships between major art galleries or cultural festivals that facilitate regular artist exchange and joint exhibitions.   

• Encouraging long-term partnerships between universities, research institutes, and arts organisations in both countries. These collaborations could include co-hosted residences, film festivals, or digital platforms that showcase joint creative projects.  

• Enhancing people-to-people links across a wide range of fields, including culture, sport, and science. For instance, bilateral sports tournaments, cultural immersion programs, and science exchange programs.  

• First Nations engagement through the promotion of First Nations art and culture in India through exhibitions, festivals, or collaborative projects with Indigenous communities in India. This could also include supporting First Nations businesses to connect with Indian markets, potentially through trade missions or business mentorship programs.  

How the proposal will align to the Centre’s pillars and intended outcomes.  

How effective and efficient the applicant will be in delivering the grant.  

How the applicant will deliver sustainable outcomes beyond the grant period.  

ABN registration with a business or other recognised registration/accreditation body 

Not listed on sanctions lists, including those published by the Australian Government, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or the Inter-American Development Bank. 

Other background criminal and reputational checks. 

Create a profile on SmartyGrants (and access the Grant Guidelines).  

Click create a new application.  

Follow the steps provided no later than 5:00pm AEDT on 04 November 2024. 

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes between December 2024 and February 2025.