About

The Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP) is an annual, open and competitive grant opportunity designed to provide an external perspective on Defence strategic policy decision-making, and stimulate public debate on Australia's strategic and Defence policy choices.

The SPGP funds independent, new and innovative policy research projects. These could include:

  • research papers
  • articles
  • reports
  • conferences
  • workshops
  • seminars
  • scenario exercises.

There is no preference for the duration of the projects, however these are limited to no more than 3 years to ensure any policy recommendations are still relevant to current priorities.

Objectives and outcomes

The objectives of the SPGP are to support Defence’s mission and purpose by:

  • deepening public debate on Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices
  • informing the development of Australia’s defence and national security policy and strategy
  • strengthening Defence’s international and domestic partnerships
  • broadening participation in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.

The intended outcomes of the SPGP are:

  • the publication of original, well-informed policy-relevant research
  • engagements between Defence and non-government experts
  • events and activities involving Defence’s international and domestic counterparts
  • fostering new and emerging strategic and defence policy talent in Australia.

Eligibility

The SPGP is a global initiative, and Defence accepts applications regardless of residency or citizenship.

Applicants for the SPGP must hold a business registration number, whether an Australian Business Number or an overseas equivalent. Individuals with different organisational affiliations can submit a joint application to the SPGP. Joint applications must identify a single project lead and organisation.

To be eligible, the proposed grant activity must:

  • support Defence’s mission, purpose and priorities
  • satisfy one or more of the SPGP objectives and outcomes
  • be new, unfunded and distinct from any business-as-usual activity.

Programs

2026 Strategic Policy Grants Program

Applications for the 2026 program are now open, and will close on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Defence aims to notify applicants of the round’s outcomes in June 2026.

A total of approximately AUD4 million will be awarded across successful applications.

Priority policy questions

Applications must address one of the following priority policy questions, or address their own topic or question that aligns with the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy:

  • What measures can Defence pursue to enhance Australia’s national preparedness and resilience against the risk of major conflict?
  • How can Defence and industry partners better collaborate to achieve National Defence Strategy outcomes?
  • How can emerging or disruptive technologies contribute to a strategy of denial in the Indo-Pacific?
  • How might Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships promote regional deterrence over the coming decade?
  • How can Australia and Indo-Pacific countries shift policy approaches to grey zone behaviour and stabilise norms?

Applications should focus on demonstrating policy relevance – proposed projects should aim to develop policy recommendations including considering mechanism(s) for Australia to implement recommendations.

Assessment

Applications are assessed on individual merit. There is no weighting applied in the assessment process on whether the application is from an individual or represented through a larger organisation.

Feedback and contact

Applications cannot be amended or resubmitted past the closing date.

Defence may contact applicants for clarification if necessary after the application period has closed.

2025 Strategic Policy Grants Program

The 2025 program was a highly competitive round that attracted a record number of 188 grant applications. The Secretary of the Department of Defence has awarded 23 grants to 22 unique entities requesting a total of AUD58.9 million (excl. GST) in funding.

The successful applications directly align with or address priorities and challenges outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, including:

  • strategic deterrence
  • military cooperation
  • supply chain resilience
  • emerging proliferation challenges
  • operational priorities.

The 2025 grant recipients are:

  • Asia Society Australia
  • Australian Catholic University
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • Deakin University
  • Dr Alexander Lee
  • Export Controls Australia Group
  • L21 Pty Ltd
  • La Trobe University
  • Lowy Institute
  • Monash University
  • Observer Research Foundation America
  • RAND Australia
  • Stimson Center
  • Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
  • The Australian National University
  • The Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
  • The University of Adelaide
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Newcastle
  • The University of Sydney, United States Studies Centre
  • The University of Tasmania
  • The University of Western Australia.