Friendship Grants to connect Australian communities with the Indo Pacific

Applications are open now for the first round of the Australian Aid: Friendship Grants program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the region has a proud history of supporting overseas aid programs.

“Thanks to this new program – announced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget – eligible Australian community organisations can apply for funding to expand or enhance their existing aid activities in the Indo-Pacific, including new projects,” Mr Pitt said.

Eligible organisations including charities, local governments, professional organisations, diaspora groups and volunteer groups, can apply for funding of between $30,000 to $60,000.

“Many of these local groups are already doing valuable work in the Indo Pacific and this work could be eligible under the Australian Aid: Friendship Grants program.

Eligible activities include those which build on existing projects to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable people in a way that is sustainable, which use successful or innovative approaches to problem solving that have potential for wider application, and activities that assist and strengthen an overseas community’s socio-economic situation.

“I encourage eligible organisations from Hinkler to consider applying for an Australian Aid: Friendship Grant,” Mr Pitt said.

Round one is open now and applications close on 27 August 2018. For more information visit: www.dfat.gov.au/FriendshipGrants.