2026 Strategic Policy Grants Program

Overview

This grant opportunity is part of the Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP), which supports strategic policy research relevant to the Department of Defence’s purpose, mission and priorities.  The SPGP is an annual, open and competitive grants opportunity administered by Defence. Defence has run the program since 2019.  The SPGP funds independent, unclassified, strategic policy-focused research and related activities; including  conferences, dialogues, seminars, education modules, roundtables, and scenario exercises. The objective of the program is to support the achievement of Defence’s mission and purpose by:  deepening public debate about Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices; informing the development of Australia’s defence policy and strategy; strengthening Defence’s international and domestic partnerships; and broadening participation in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.  The intended outcomes of the program are: the publication of original, well-informed and policy-relevant research;  engagements between Defence and leading non-government experts; events and activities involving Defence’s international and domestic counterparts; and fostering new and emerging talent in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.