Preparing your application

You can begin preparing your application before the grant round opens by considering the research, project or initiative you would like to pursue and how it aligns with the Foundation’s purpose and strategic themes.

We encourage applicants to explore previously funded projects and podcasts through Swayn Open Research to better understand the kinds of work supported through the program.

View Research

Tips for preparing a strong application

  • Clearly articulate the value and relevance of your proposal.

  • Demonstrate how your project contributes to Australian architecture and design.

  • Explain why you or your team are well positioned to deliver the project.

  • Ensure your proposal is realistic, well considered and appropriately scoped.

  • Provide a clear and achievable budget and timeline.

  • Draft your responses in a separate document before submitting the online form.

Applications with unclear objectives, underdeveloped concepts or unrealistic project planning are unlikely to be competitive.

    • Carefully review the application guidelines and assessment criteria before starting your submission.

    • Follow all instructions and character limits within the application form.

    • Where appropriate, consider partnerships or collaborations that strengthen the reach, relevance or delivery of your project.

    • Include any confirmed financial or in-kind contributions within your budget.

    • Ensure your budget is accurate, realistic and aligned with the proposed project activities.

    • Allow enough time to review your application and supporting documents before submission.

    • We recommend asking a colleague or collaborator to review your application prior to submission.

Grants Streams

Australian Design

Supporting research, projects and initiatives that contribute to Australian architecture and design culture.

Apply

International Research

Supporting international engagement and research that brings new knowledge, insight and connections back to Australian practice and discourse.

Apply

FAQs

  • Applicants must:

    • be over 18 years of age.

    • hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).

    • apply as an individual, collective, organisation or institution.

    • propose a project aligned with the Foundation’s purpose and strategic priorities.

    The Foundation supports projects that advance Australian architecture and design through research, education, public engagement and knowledge sharing.

     The following are generally not eligible for funding:

    • projects that form part of assessable coursework or academic study;

    • requests for tuition fees or course costs;

    • projects with outcomes unrelated to the proposed activities;

    • proposals that conflict with the Foundation’s ethical standards and values; and

    • applicants with outstanding acquittals or active grants that have not yet been completed.

    Collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects are encouraged.

  • Applicants will generally be required to provide the following:

    • a project proposal;

    • project timeline;

    • detailed budget;

    • CVs or biographies for key participants; and

    • evidence of relevant partnerships, approvals or permissions where applicable.

    Where projects involve collaboration with universities, organisations, communities or First Nations stakeholders, applicants must demonstrate that appropriate consultation, consent or in-principle support has been obtained.

    Only one application per grant type may be submitted for each proposal.

    Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal before the closing date.

  • Applications are assessed through a competitive review process by an independent panel of industry experts.

    Assessment considers:

    • the quality and originality of the proposal;

    • applicant capability and relevant experience;

    • project feasibility, planning and resourcing;

    • alignment with the Foundation’s purpose and strategic themes; and

    • the broader benefit to Australian architecture and design.

    Due to the competitive nature of the program, not all high-quality applications can be funded.

  • Successful applicants will enter into a Grant Agreement outlining project requirements, reporting obligations and payment arrangements.

    Grant funding generally does not support:

    • organisational overheads or indirect administrative costs;

    • insurance expenses;

    • general infrastructure or equipment purchases unrelated to the project; or

    • costs not directly connected to the proposed activities.

    Projects are generally expected to be completed within 12 months of the Grant Agreement being executed, unless otherwise approved.

    Funding is typically paid in two instalments:

    • 50% on execution of the Grant Agreement; and

    • 50% on completion of the project and submission of agreed deliverables.

  • Projects supported by the Foundation are expected to contribute to public knowledge and design culture through the accessible sharing of research and project outcomes.

    Successful applicants will be required to:

    • submit progress and acquittal reporting;

    • provide agreed project deliverables by the due date;

    • acknowledge the Foundation’s support in relevant outputs and publications; and

    • comply with relevant Foundation policies and Grant Agreement conditions.

     

    Further information about project requirements, reporting and funding conditions will be provided to successful applicants through the Grant Agreement and supporting documentation.

    • Open Access Policy

    • Research Output and Publication Guidelines

  • Yes. Applications may be submitted by individuals, collectives, organisations or institutions.

  • Applicants may submit one application per grant type for each distinct proposal.

  • Yes. Collaborative and cross-disciplinary proposals are encouraged.

  • No. Applications submitted after the closing date and time will not be accepted.

  • Any significant project, timeline or budget changes must be discussed with the Foundation and approved in writing.

  • No. All assessment decisions are final.

  • Due to the volume of applications received, the Foundation may provide limited feedback at it’s discretion.

  • Please contact info@alastairswaynfoundation.org for application enquiries.

Research Output and Publication Guidelines

The Alastair Swayn Foundation supports the open sharing of research, ideas and knowledge that contribute to Australian architecture and design culture. These guidelines outline the Foundation’s expectations for research outputs and project deliverables produced through Foundation-supported grants.

The aim of these guidelines is to ensure research outcomes are clear, accessible, professionally presented and suitable for publication through the Foundation’s open-access platforms, including Swayn Open Research.

Open Access and Knowledge Sharing

Projects supported by the Foundation are expected to contribute to public knowledge and design discourse through the accessible sharing of research outcomes.

Research outputs funded wholly or in part by the Foundation may be published through the Foundation’s open-access repository and associated platforms. Applicants should consider publication, accessibility and knowledge-sharing outcomes as part of their project planning process.

Further information is available in the Foundation’s Open Access Policy.

Clarity and Accessibility

Research outputs should be written and presented in a manner appropriate to their intended audience while remaining accessible to a broader public readership where possible.

Applicants are encouraged to:

  • use clear and concise language;

  • explain specialised terminology where appropriate;

  • structure content logically and consistently; and

  • ensure reports and publications are professionally edited and proofread prior to submission.

Research Integrity and Attribution

All research outputs must maintain high standards of accuracy, transparency and ethical practice.

Recipients are expected to:

  • appropriately acknowledge all contributors, collaborators and funding sources;

  • reference sources and research material using a consistent citation method;

  • disclose relevant conflicts of interest where applicable; and

  • ensure all third-party material is used with appropriate permissions and attribution.

Where projects involve communities, participants or First Nations knowledge, recipients must ensure appropriate consultation, consent and cultural protocols are observed throughout the project lifecycle.

Visual Presentation and File Requirements

Research outputs should be professionally presented and suitable for digital publication.

Where applicable, recipients are encouraged to:

  • include high-quality images, diagrams or supporting visual material;

  • ensure visual content is relevant and appropriately credited;

  • consider accessibility in the design and formatting of reports and publications; and

  • submit final deliverables in accessible digital formats.

Detailed formatting, file specifications and submission requirements may be provided by the Foundation during the publication process.

Publication and Licensing

Research outputs published through the Foundation may be made available under an open-access licence in accordance with the Foundation’s Open Access Policy.

This supports the Foundation’s commitment to broad public access, knowledge sharing and the ongoing advancement of Australian architecture and design culture.

Questions and Support

If you have questions regarding research outputs, publication requirements or accessibility considerations, please contact info@alastairswaynfoundation.org.