What is the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)?
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) was established by the Australian Government in 2001 to enhance Australia's economic, political and social relations with Latin America.
The Council's objectives are the achievement of:
- enhanced and strengthened links between Australia and Latin America in the priority areas of business, education, sustainability, tourism and cultural promotion
- a closer engagement between corporate Australia with Latin America
- an increased awareness and understanding of Australia in Latin America, and of Latin America in Australia.
The annual COALAR grant round is funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's International Relations Grants Program.
The objectives of the program are to promote people-to-people links and a contemporary and positive image of Australia, and support Australia's international policy goals.
Read more on the Council on Australia Latin America Relations
How to apply
Before applying please read the COALAR grant guidelines and log onto SmartyGrants to access and view the application form.
What is the maximum duration of the grant?
The standard grant period is one (1) year. The maximum grant period is three years.
How are applications assessed?
The grant guidelines provide information about eligibility and assessment criteria.
When preparing the application, applicants should bear in mind that the assessment committee may not be familiar with the applicant, the organisation or the field of activity. As their recommendations will be primarily based on the information provided in the application form, this document should be clear, accurate, comprehensive and focused.
What can grant money be used for?
You can use the grant to pay for costs detailed in your budget and grant agreement, including:
- advertising and promotion, graphic design, photography, social media, video and printed material,
- production costs, including freight, artists' and support staff wages and/or fees directly related to the project (business-as-usual wages or fees will not be supported),
- labour costs of employees to deliver the core elements of the grant project (business-as-usual labour costs will not be supported),
- one principal speaker on the subject of the project which is of direct relevance to the grant opportunity,
- venue hire and catering,
- travel, including economy flights, modest accommodation costs (three or four star hotel equivalent), meals and travel allowances, other transport. Refer to ATO Tax Determination for more detail on what constitutes 'reasonable travel and overtime meal allowance expense amounts, other transport',
- for your application to be competitive, travel and accommodation expenses associated with your grant activities should not exceed 50 per cent of the total grant funds,
- costs related to studies, research or surveys aligned to project outcomes,
- costs relating to auspices services, project administration or coordination (e.g. temporary engagement of a coordinator) may be considered, capped at 5% of the total grant value.
Cash and in-kind contributions
If cash and/or in-kind support is included in budgets, it must be specific to the project and able to be clearly substantiated. Including the salary of existing staff members as in-kind support is not typically required.
What are reasonable amounts for overseas travel expenses?
The Australian Tax Office Tax Determination (TD2023/3) sets out reasonable amounts for overseas travel expenses such as meals and incidentals.
This includes appropriate budget for meals and incidentals during time spent in Latin American countries, calculated on the basis of a salary of $143,650 p.a. and below.
Costs for airfares and accommodation should be budgeted at amounts that can be fully substantiated.
When will I be notified of the outcome?
Applicants will be notified in-line with the timeline set out in the grant guidelines.
Can I resubmit a previous application?
Yes. Organisations and individuals are welcome to resubmit project proposals from previous applications but would still be required to create a new application in SmartyGrants and meet the eligibility and assessment criteria for the current round.
Can I apply if I have an existing COALAR grant?
Yes. Applications are welcome from those who have received funding in previous grant rounds. Individuals and organisations with outstanding grant acquittals or other compliance issues are not eligible to apply in open rounds.
How do I write a strong application?
- Have a good idea, work out how you're going to execute it and find a keen partner in Australia or Latin America to help you with it.
- Read the grant guidelines and ensure your project outcomes are aligned with COALAR's goals and priority areas.
- Make the impact of the project clear. If COALAR supports your project, what will be new that couldn't be done without COALAR's support?
- Develop a strong communications plan. Demonstrate how your project will generate positive and effective media coverage and commentary on the Australia Latin America relationship.
- Demonstrate the viability of the project by making the co-contributions and collaboration between Australian and Latin American partners clear.
- If your project proposal includes travel, articulate an alternative/virtual plan to deliver the project.
- Write the application for a non-specialist reader and have someone else read it before you submit.
Can you help me connect with a partner in Latin America or Australia?
No. The Council on Australia Latin America Relations is not able to connect you with partners in Australia or in Latin America. Applicants are expected to be able to identify and work with partners to enable them to complete the proposed project.