Frequently asked questions

How to apply

Before submitting an application:

What is the closing date for applications?

  • The Investment Assistance Program is open to applications until funding is exhausted.
  • Subject to successful approval of applications, grants will be awarded in the order that applications are received until all funding is allocated.

We have already submitted an application into the First/EOI stage of an Australian Government Funding Program, can we still apply for this grant?

  • No. The intent of the program is to support researchers to raise the quality of an application, not to support applications that are currently submitted to stage 1/EOI processes.

What financial years will funding cover?

  • Program funding will be paid in accordance with Grant Agreement milestones for approved applications.

Does the applicant need to be Queensland-based?

Yes. Investment Assistance Program funding must be expended wholly in Queensland unless it can be demonstrated that expenditure outside of Queensland is essential to ensure successful delivery of the project.

The project proposal must be headquartered in Queensland, see a significant proportion of the research take place in Queensland and a breadth of Queensland-based industry partners.

How is an eligible research institute defined?

For the purposes of the Investment Assistance Program, an eligible research institute is defined as:

  • an approved research institute as defined by the Australian Government.
  • an eligible research institute defined as such under the targeted eligible Australian Government funding program.

Can I use the funding to pay a professional grant writer?

  • No that would not be an eligible expense covered by the funding conditions.
  • A project proponent can fund a grant writer, however it would have to be at the applicant’s expense.

The Guidelines state that up to 50% of salaries of selected professionals can be covered by funding. How does this work and what does “salary” include?

  • Project salary funding represents the direct compensation for an individual's work on the project. It is calculated based on the percentage of their time dedicated to the project. For instance, a 50% project commitment could result in 25% of their salary being covered by Investment Assistance Program funding. This is specifically for salary and does not encompass employment-related or onboarding costs.

Up to 10% of the total funding request can be used on project related travel costs. Can you provide an example of this?

  • The maximum amount of funding for an Investment Assistance Program application is $100,000. If an applicant is requesting this maximum amount of funding, 10% of this request can go towards project related travel expenses (i.e. $10,000). If an application is requesting $50,000, 10% of this request can go towards project-related travel expenses (i.e. $5,000).

When will I be notified about the outcome of the application?

  • The department will endeavour to process applications within 14 weeks, noting that this is subject to obtaining relevant approvals.

Can I apply for the Investment Assistance Program and then apply to the Science into Industry Co-investment Program?

Yes. Provided your proposal meets the eligibility criteria for the Science into Industry Co-investment Program you can apply to both the Investment Assistance Program and then to the Science into Industry Co-investment Program.

I am considering applying. Can I discuss my application with the department?

The department is available to discuss the eligibility of your application. It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact the department via your organisation’s research office to discuss applications prior to submission.