Grants

• Grant applications that focus solely on personal academic studies, or are for activities that are part of assessable coursework are unlikely to be successful. We do not support applications requesting the costs of academic fees or courses.
• Ensure that the grant reporting requirements have been met for any Foundation grants you have previously received.

Yes, successful candidates for the Research and Strategic Grants are expected to complete their research and provide the Foundation with the final research paper (or pre-approved equivalent output) ready for publication, within a six (6) month timeframe, from the signed date on the Grant Agreement.

*Please note, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Foundation will be open to extending this timeframe to account for the needs of projects impacted by government restrictions. The Foundation will enter a discussion with affected grantees to agree to reasonable and appropriate extensions for projects that would otherwise be disadvantaged by the mandated timeframe.

• Read the guidelines and criteria carefully and make sure you are eligible to apply.
• Applications are only accepted online using the grants application form on our website. If you think you will have difficulty submitting your application online, please contact office@alastairswaynfoundation.org
• We recommend composing your responses in a separate document and cut and paste into the online application to avoid the possibility of losing your work due to a dropped internet connection or accidentally closing the browser window. The narrative sections of the form have fixed word limits.
• Keep your writing style clear and concise
• Request people to read your application before submitting. (Are there any errors? Does it make sense?)
• Make sure the budget is accurate and realistic.
• Applications that are easy to read are more likely to be successful. In general applications that are poorly presented and are difficult to read will not score as well against the assessment criteria.
• If you submit your application online, you will be emailed a confirmation that it has been received.
• Check carefully on the application form which material you need to include and complete the form in full. We cannot process your application without all criteria being addressed and the right supporting material.
• You must submit your application by the deadline, applications not submitted by closing date will not be considered.

You must submit a budget for your proposed project and the CVs of those who will work on the project as part of your grant application. The budget should detail any in-kind support or other funding sources for your project.

Preferred maximum file size is 10MB, files must not exceed 25MB

We do not accept application-related support material submitted via post. If you think you will have difficulty submitting your support material online, please contact the Foundation.

We suggest that you apply to the funding area that seems to fit your proposal best and if necessary, our staff will redirect the application to a different funding area .

Only one application per grant type, per round will be accepted from an individual, group or organisation.

All applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• The project has clearly defined aims
• The project clearly demonstrates it meets the Foundation’s Objectives (and in the case of Research, align with one or more of the Guiding Principles)
• The architecture and design community benefit from this research/project
• The organisation or individual has demonstrated their understanding of the project output requirements
• The organisation or individual has demonstrated that the research/project output aligns with our Open Access Policy
• The organisation or individual has demonstrated their capacity to successfully complete the research/ project within the six (6) month timeframe
• The budget is realistic, balanced and complete
• The project has high academic merit

No, the applicant/s must be the one/s that will run the project or program for which a grant is being sought.

Please note this does not extend to tertiary institutions.

The successful grantee agrees to having their research outcomes made publicly available on the Swayn Open Research repository as an open access resource for the architecture and design community through the Foundation’s website. Please read our Open Access Policy below.

The successful grantee is required to author a comprehensive research paper at the conclusion of their project. The Foundation would expect grantees to produce a comprehensive research paper relative to the funding amount.

For example, a Research Grant would expect a paper of approximately 2,500-4,000 words, whilst a Strategic Grant would have an expectation of producing approximately 5,000-8,000 words.

A project may also have complimentary output such as public presentations, further publications or an exhibition.

Please note, the Foundation will consider modifications to the research output based on evaluation of the unique subject and scope of successful proposals. This will generally be accepted in the form of equivalent output such as, but not limited to, other publications, podcasts, or exhibitions.

The Foundation retains authority to promote and circulate research funded by our grants, the grantee retains the intellectual property rights to their work.

• You will be sent a Grant Offer and a Grant Agreement which outlines the responsibilities of the grant recipient and the Foundation. Read this carefully and make sure you set up adequate accounting and reporting systems to manage the funds.
• All grant applicants must have an ABN. The name of the applicant must match the name of the ABN and the name of the bank account into which we pay the funds.
• You will need to complete all Foundation Grant Reporting Requirements within the timeframe specified when you receive the grant.

Applications are considered by an internal Grant Selection Committee and recommendations are presented at the next Alastair Swayn Foundation Board meeting for final determination.

Successful applicants for Round Two will be notified by the early November 2021.

No, online applications close at 5pm (Canberra) on the closing date. Grants received after this date  will not be considered.

No, a decision made about grants funding is final and the Foundation will not enter discussion for an appeal.

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a Foundation grant, we encourage you to seek feedback. Please contact office@alastairswaynfoundation.org for advice and information to assist with future applications.

If circumstances change during the life of the project, for example the scope of the project is modified, the project is delayed or the budget needs to be varied, the Foundation must be informed as soon as possible. The Foundation will consider all amendments to approved grants. If the requested amendment is significant, it will be considered by the Directors at the next available Board meeting.

Yes, it is a condition of your grant that you must acknowledge the Foundation’s support or your research and any output resulting from our funding. The details of acknowledging the support o the Foundation will be found in your Grant Agreement. If you have any questions, please contact office@alastairswaynfoundation.org.

Yes, if you cannot find the information you need on the website, our staff can be contacted by phone or email to discuss your project and application.

Foundation staff are happy to assist with queries regarding clarification of eligibility, and the application process.

If you have any questions about Foundation grant opportunities, guidelines, application forms, or reporting requirements, please contact the Foundation at office@alastairswaynfoundation.org.

Our office is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm (Canberra), Monday to Thursday.