International fellowships and partnership grants now open
The Federal Government has announced Round 2 of the First Nations International Fellowships and Partnerships Grants for 2025–26.
Working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office for First Nations International Engagement, the program aims to strengthen First Nations leadership in international relations and expand global partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
It supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and leaders to engage internationally on key issues such as economic empowerment, climate and environmental management, energy security, health, gender equality, reconciliation and truth-telling.
Two funding streams are available:
- Fellowships Grants – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and advocates to attend major international meetings, including the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (New York, April 2026) and the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Geneva, July 2026).
- Partnerships Grants – for organisations and communities to build sustainable collaborations and knowledge-sharing exchanges with partners across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
A total of $1.25 million is available in this round, with individual grants typically ranging from $20,000 to $80,000. Funded projects must be completed by 31 December 2026.
Eligible applicants include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, community-controlled organisations, not-for-profits, academic institutions and incorporated associations with an ABN or Indigenous Corporation Number. Smaller groups can partner with eligible organisations.
Go to Firstnations.grants@dfat.gov.au for more information on how to apply.
