• Value: One grant of up to $150,000 (ex. GST)
• Timeframe: 18-month research phase, followed by a 12-month research translation phase
• Focus: GP-led research on ageing, aged care and end-of-life care delivered through general practice, across community and residential aged care settings.

• Value: One grant of up to $120,000 (ex. GST)
• Timeframe: 24 months
• Focus: Health services issues of relevance to general practice, focusing on one or more of the following themes:
  1. Impact of different models of care
  2. Access to care
  3. Effectiveness of care
  4. Quality of care
  5. Efficiency of care
  6. Cost of care

To be eligible for a Foundation grant, the principal investigator will be a general practitioner or general practice registrar.

Additional eligibility criteria may apply to specific grants. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements for each grant carefully.

Applicants may apply for multiple grants but cannot be awarded more than one grant for the same research project. Each grant application must be submitted separately using the relevant application forms.

Applicants will disclose any additional grants they applied for, including but not limited to Australian General Practice Research Foundation grants, in the project budget.

If the projects are related but not the same, applicants should clearly explain the differences in the application form. If the projects are deemed sufficiently different, it is possible for both to be awarded a grant.

Applicants will inform the Foundation immediately if they secure funding from an alternative source for a project that is a subject of a Foundation grant application.

Applicants are required to review the Grant Application Terms and Conditions linked here.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Successful grant recipients and their administering organisations will be required to enter into a formal grant agreement on Foundation standard terms.

Before commencing an application, applicants are encouraged to:

• review the eligibility requirements for the relevant grant
• ensure they can meet all conditions of award
• familiarise themselves with the selection criteria

Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete their application and gather any required supporting documentation before the closing date.

Application process

Applications will be submitted via the relevant online application form, available on the Foundation website at: https://www.racgp.org.au/foundation/research-funding.

Select the specific grant to view the award details and access the application form.

Using SmartyGrants

The Foundation manages its grant programs through SmartyGrants. Applicants must create a free SmartyGrants account before starting an application. An activation email will be sent upon registration.

Optional organisation SmartyFile profile

Applicants may create a SmartyFile profile for their organisation to support collaboration and automatically pre-fill organisational and contact information in SmartyGrants forms. SmartyFile can be accessed using SmartyGrants login details.

The online system does not automatically save responses, and any unsaved changes may be lost.

It is strongly recommended that you click the blue 'Save Progress' button every 10 to 15 minutes while filling out your application form.

Applicants may be required to upload supporting documents as part of their application.

Attachments must:

• comply with any format requirements specified in the application form
• be clearly labelled and referenced in the relevant question or field

The maximum file size is 25 MB. To reduce upload time, we recommend keeping files under 5 MB where possible.

Applicants should allow sufficient time for files to upload and avoid navigating away from the page until the upload is complete.

Where figures, tables, or diagrams are requested, these must be uploaded in the specified format (e.g. PDF or Word) and referenced in the relevant question or field. Any explanation or interpretation must be included in the application form response, not within the attachment itself.

After completing the final page of the application form, click 'Review and Submit' at the bottom of the navigation panel. This will allow you to review your entire application before submitting it. Any required fields that have been missed will be highlighted in red, and you can navigate to the relevant page to make corrections. You also have the option to download a PDF of your application to save or print.

To submit your application, click the 'Submit' button. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your submitted form attached. If you do not receive a confirmation email, assume your submission was NOT successfully submitted.

You can log back into SmartyGrants at any time to view your completed application under the 'My Submissions' tab.

Important: Once your form has been submitted, no further changes can be made.

If you require further assistance with navigating, completing, saving, uploading attachments, or submitting the application form, you can download the Help Guide for Applicants or check the Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Links to these resources are also available directly on the online application form.

The RACGP’s John Murtagh Library offers a collection of resources to support researchers with their applications. A dedicated research subject portal has been developed to meet the needs of researchers. This portal includes:

• Databases (including some subscription-based) with details of coverage, search tips, and guides.
• Full-text journal content on research and methodologies.
• Access to hard copy materials, e-books, and electronic resources.
• Links to other RACGP support services and useful web resources.

For assistance, contact Library staff via email at library@racgp.org.au. Please note that some resources may be restricted to RACGP members.

The Foundation encourages general practitioners and general practice registrars with limited research experience to apply for grants. To improve your chances of success, seek guidance or collaborate with an experienced researcher, especially for complex studies.

If unsure where to start, we encourage you to contact a department of general practice of a university in your state.

Applications are assessed against the specified selection criteria, which may vary by grant. It is important to note that the assigned weightings for each criterion differ between grants.

By thoroughly addressing these criteria, applicants can strengthen their proposal and enhance its chances of success.

Scientific quality of the proposed research project
This criterion evaluates the rigour and strength of the research plan. Projects with a clear research question, robust methodology, and sound approach to data collection and analysis will be rated highly. Appropriate consideration of the populations and contexts relevant to general practice should be evident.

Likelihood of translation and impact in general practice services
This criterion assesses the potential of the research to generate practical, meaningful outcomes that improve patient care and/or healthcare systems. Projects with a well-articulated strategy for disseminating findings and translating them into policy or clinical practice will be rated highly. Appropriate consideration of patient, carer, or community needs and experiences should be evident.

Innovation and originality of the project
This criterion considers the novelty and significance of the research. Projects that demonstrate originality in approach, incorporating innovative ideas to address identified unmet needs or gaps in general practice research, will be rated highly.

Feasibility of the project
This criterion assesses the practicality and viability of the research within the funding period. Proposals with a clear and realistic research plan, timeline and budget, along with the necessary expertise and support to ensure successful completion, will be rated highly.

Contribution to building research capacity in general practice services
This criterion evaluates the project’s potential to strengthen research capacity within general practice services. Proposals that provide meaningful opportunities for skill development or training of research team members, particularly early career researchers, and those that foster collaboration or expand research networks within and beyond general practice services will be rated highly.

The following tips are drawn from reviewer feedback and are designed to help strengthen research proposals and applications. They highlight practical ways to improve clarity, feasibility and overall impact.

Applicants may also find it helpful to read the Australian Journal of General Practice article “Writing grant applications” by Shaun Prentice , which provides practical guidance on developing competitive grant proposals.

Build strong academic support
If you are early in your research journey, partnering with an experienced researcher can significantly strengthen your proposal. Academic support can help refine the research question, confirm feasibility and ensure methodological rigour.

Develop a clear and realistic budget
A well-considered budget demonstrates careful planning. Ensure costs are realistic and clearly explained. If you are unsure about specific items, seek advice early. Where additional funding is required beyond the grant, clearly outline how this will be sourced.

Set achievable and focused goals
Projects with a clear and realistic scope are more likely to succeed. Ensure your aims and activities can be delivered within the proposed timeframe and available resources.

Provide sufficient detail to support assessment
Clear and comprehensive information helps reviewers assess your proposal effectively. Include detail on methodology, analysis, sample size and data collection, supported by relevant literature. Clearly explain the significance of your research question and its potential contribution.

Aim for clarity and structure
A well-structured and clearly written proposal makes it easier for reviewers to follow your thinking. Clearly outline your aims, keep the narrative focused and ensure the methodology aligns with the research question. Concise and purposeful writing is encouraged.

Address all selection criteria
The selection criteria guide how applications are assessed. Carefully review each criterion and ensure your application responds to all required areas and weightings.

Consider ethical and cultural perspectives
Thoughtful consideration of ethical and cultural issues strengthens your proposal, particularly when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or other priority communities. Address these considerations clearly in the research plan and ethics section.

Review and refine before submission
A final review can make a significant difference. Proofread carefully, ensure all questions are answered and confirm that all required information and attachments are included. Having colleagues review your application can further improve clarity and completeness.

After submission, the Foundation team will review your application to confirm it meets the eligibility criteria and award conditions. To support a smooth review process, please ensure all criteria are addressed and all required documentation is included before submitting.

Applications must meet the specified eligibility requirements and award conditions to progress to assessment.

Once applications close, submissions are assessed against the published criteria by a delegated review panel comprising members of our Foundation Awards Panel and, where relevant, representatives from the funding partner. The panel meets to discuss applications and determine the successful recipient. All decisions are final.

Potential conflicts of interest are actively identified and managed through a robust governance process. Panel members and funding partner representatives must declare any real or perceived conflicts before accessing applications, and those with conflicts do not assess or discuss affected submissions.

External reviewers, including those based outside Australia, may also be engaged to support impartial assessment.

Applicants invited to apply for a major grant are required to submit a pre-recorded presentation alongside their application form. Detailed instructions for recording and submission are provided in the application form.

The grant review panel will consider the presentation as part of the assessment process and may provide written questions seeking further clarification. Applicants will have five (5) business days to respond.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email on 11 September 2026, using the primary email address provided in the application form. Applicants are responsible for informing any co investigators. An official RACGP announcement will follow.

Where possible, brief feedback may be provided. Due to the volume of applications, detailed feedback and further correspondence about feedback cannot be offered.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to confirm your provisional acceptance of the grant by email to foundation@racgp.org.au, pending the signing and return of the Grant Agreement outlined below.

To progress with the award, applicants are required to confirm acceptance by the specified deadline. If confirmation is not received, the Foundation may offer the grant to another applicant.

The award of a grant is subject to a formal Grant Agreement between the Foundation and the administering organisation, where applicable. The agreement is based on standard Foundation terms and sets out reporting requirements, key milestones, payment schedules and funding acknowledgement wording. Grants provided for individual financial support do not require a Grant Agreement.

Grant recipients must fulfil specified milestones, including submission of online reports through the Foundation website. Milestone requirements and due dates are confirmed in the Grant Agreement, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Foundation.

The table below outlines the standard milestone structure used across most Foundation grants and awards. Some grants include additional or modified milestones to reflect their structure or objectives. For example, the Ageing Well Research Grant includes additional milestones to support its two distinct phases (a research phase followed by a research translation phase).

Where grant-specific milestone requirements apply, further details are provided on the relevant grant page and confirmed in the Grant Agreement.

The payment schedule outlined below reflects the standard payment structure used for most Foundation research grants and individual support awards.

Some grants may include modified payment arrangements to reflect their structure or objectives. For example, the Ageing Well Research Grant includes a modified payment schedule aligned to its two distinct phases (a research phase followed by a research translation phase).

Where payment arrangements differ, further details are provided on the relevant grant page and confirmed in the Grant Agreement.

Grant recipients are required to acknowledge the support of the Foundation and any funding partners in all publications, presentations, and other works or media related to the research. The specified wording from the Grant Agreement, along with logos where appropriate, must be used. Logos will be provided upon request.

Grant recipients agree to participate in reasonable communications activities coordinated by the Foundation and its funding partners. These may include media interviews, press releases, social media features and public announcements. Recipients consent to the use of their name, image and information from grant reports for communications purposes. The Foundation will work collaboratively with recipients and take schedules and preferences into account when planning any activities.

Grant recipients will be invited to officially receive their grants/awards at the Australian General Practice Research Foundation Grants and Awards Ceremony during the GP26 Adelaide conference 20–22 November 2026.

Event details will be shared by email closer to the date. Grant recipients may also be invited to smaller presentation ceremonies hosted by RACGP state and territory faculties. While attendance is warmly encouraged, it is not compulsory.