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

The Secretary of the Department of Defence has awarded 15 grants under Defence’s 2026 SPGP. Defence received a record number of 199 applications, requesting a total of $66.5 million, making this a very competitive grant round. Applicants included institutions from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The SPGP, now in its eighth year, requested applicants to address one of 5 priority policy questions, or address priorities and challenges outlined in the National Defence Strategy. These grants seek to sponsor research around key topics for Defence.

The 2026 grant recipients are:

  • Australian Catholic University
  • Australian National University
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • Deakin University
  • Institute for Economics and Peace
  • Korea University
  • Macquarie University
  • Rand Australia
  • Robust Policy Analysis Pty Ltd
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of New South Wales.