Apply for CRC Research Grants 2026: First Nations Australians in Climate and Development Cooperation

The 2026 Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) Research Grants Round presents a significant opportunity for organizations, researchers, and development practitioners to contribute to climate and disaster resilience efforts across the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is designed to support applied research that meaningfully integrates First Nations Australians’ perspectives into development cooperation.

At its core, this grant round recognizes that First Nations Australians possess deep, place-based knowledge systems, cultural practices, and leadership approaches that are invaluable in addressing climate change and disaster risks. By embedding these perspectives into development programming, the CRC program seeks to generate more inclusive, culturally appropriate, and effective resilience strategies.

About the CRC Program and Research Focus

The Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) program focuses on strengthening resilience to climate variability, extreme weather events, and disasters in vulnerable regions. Through this grant round, CRC aims to fund applied research that does not remain theoretical but instead produces actionable insights that can directly inform development policies and programs.

The research supported under this initiative must go beyond traditional academic outputs. Instead, it should:

• Generate practical and usable guidance for DFAT and its partners
• Be grounded in real-world programming contexts
• Demonstrate how First Nations Australians’ knowledge systems can enhance resilience outcomes
• Contribute to long-term, sustainable development practices in the Indo-Pacific

This emphasis on application ensures that funded projects will have tangible impacts on communities, institutions, and policy frameworks.

Purpose of the Grant Round

The 2026 CRC Research Grants Round is specifically designed to:

• Elevate First Nations Australians’ leadership in development cooperation
• Promote culturally informed approaches to climate and disaster resilience
• Strengthen partnerships between Australian First Nations organizations and Indo-Pacific stakeholders
• Bridge the gap between knowledge and practice through evidence-based research

A key requirement is that projects must either be led by, or meaningfully partnered with, First Nations Australian organizations or entities. This ensures that Indigenous perspectives are not merely included but are central to the research design, implementation, and outcomes.

Funding Streams

To accommodate different types of research needs and timelines, the grant round offers two distinct funding streams:

1. Discover Stream

The Discover stream is intended for comprehensive research projects that aim to build new evidence and deepen understanding.

Key features include:

• Funding of up to $600,000
• Project duration of up to 2 years
• Focus on in-depth research and evidence generation
• Suitable for complex, multi-phase studies

Projects under this stream are expected to explore new insights, develop frameworks, and produce robust findings that can inform long-term strategies.

2. Accelerate Stream

The Accelerate stream is designed for projects that focus on translating existing knowledge into practical applications.

Key features include:

• Funding of up to $200,000
• Project duration of up to 12 months
• Emphasis on rapid implementation and knowledge translation
• Ideal for scaling or adapting proven approaches

This stream is particularly suitable for organizations that already have relevant research or experience and want to apply it quickly in real-world contexts.

Eligible Organisations

The CRC Research Grants Round encourages collaborative and cross-sectoral partnerships. Eligible applicants include consortia made up of organizations from:

• Public sector institutions
• Private sector entities
• Academic and research institutions
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

This multi-sector approach ensures that projects benefit from diverse expertise and perspectives, increasing the likelihood of impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Project Requirements

To qualify for funding, all proposed projects must meet the following criteria:

1. First Nations Leadership or Partnership

Projects must be led by, or substantively partnered with, a First Nations Australian organization or entity. This is a non-negotiable requirement and central to the program’s objectives.

2. In-Country Collaboration

Projects must involve partners located in one or more eligible Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries within the Indo-Pacific region. This ensures that research is contextually relevant and locally grounded.

3. Culturally Safe and Inclusive Practices

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Cultural safety in engagement and implementation
• Inclusivity across stakeholders
• Respect for rights-based approaches

These principles are essential to maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that research benefits all involved communities.

Key Dates and Timeline

Applicants should take careful note of the following important dates:

• Request for Proposals (RFP) Opens: 20 March 2026
• RFP Closes: 10 April 2026
• Deadline for Questions Submission: 6 April 2026
• Final Submission Deadline: 10 April 2026 at 5:00 PM AEST

It is critical to adhere strictly to these deadlines, as late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Application Process

Applying for the CRC Research Grants Round involves several steps:

Step 1: Download Required Documents

Applicants must obtain and complete the following:

• Request for Proposal (RFP) document
• Proposed Standard Grant Template document

These documents contain detailed instructions, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines.

Step 2: Prepare the Proposal

Applicants are required to provide comprehensive information about their proposed project, including:

• Research objectives and methodology
• Partnership structure and roles
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Budget and implementation timeline

Proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with the goals of the CRC program and highlight how First Nations perspectives will be embedded throughout the project.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Completed RFP forms must be submitted via email to:

grants@crcsu.com.au

Submission deadline:

• 5:00 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 10 April 2026

Applicants are strongly advised to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Request for Information and Support

Applicants who require clarification during the application process can submit questions to the CRC Secretariat through the designated RFP Question Submission Form.

Key details include:

• Questions must be submitted no later than 6 April 2026
• Responses will be provided within five (5) working days
• A deidentified register of questions and answers may be published publicly

This transparent process ensures that all applicants have access to consistent and accurate information.

Conclusion

The 2026 CRC Research Grants Round represents a forward-thinking approach to development cooperation—one that values Indigenous knowledge systems, prioritizes cultural integrity, and seeks practical solutions to pressing climate challenges.

By supporting research that is both inclusive and action-oriented, the CRC program is not only advancing climate and disaster resilience in the Indo-Pacific but also setting a precedent for how First Nations Australians’ perspectives can shape global development practices.

Organizations with the capacity to lead or collaborate in this space are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to this impactful initiative.