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Funding pathways

The Australian Wine Future Fund (AWFF) enables a range of opportunities through the Research & Innovation Fund (RIF) and Venture Investment Portfolio (VIP). The funding pathway reflects different sources of co-funding as well as the type of opportunity, level of support required and the role Wine Australia is expected to play.

Why the need for different pathways?

The funding pathways reflect that the funding can come from different sources, such as partner contributions, external grants and/or the Commonwealth. They also reflect the purpose, level of partnership, scale and design needs of the opportunity. For applicants, the funding pathway may also change the processes involved in crafting and approving an initiative, and hence the timeline from application to initiating the project.

Separate pathways allow for streamlining similar opportunities into fit-for-purpose processes. This makes requirements more proportionate, enables more predictable timelines and gives applicants greater clarity about what to expect. It also preserves the flexibility to respond to opportunities as they emerge, without requiring every opportunity to conform to a single process.

RIF co-investment pathways

These pathways are funded through co-investment where at least 60% of the project cash is provided from partners, collaborators or co-funders. Both pathways use the same EOI intake, but are triaged into the different pathways by Wine Australia, depending on project length, complexity and the role Wine Australia will play.

  • Fast Innovation Support

    Ready to turn an idea into action? This pathway is generally for short (<18months) initiatives; preferably for single applicants for quick contracting; is open for EOIs year-round but will be closed and assessed quarterly; requires 60% of project cash to be provided by the applicant (or collaborator).

    Expression of Interest now open

  • Major Co-investment Projects

    Building something bigger? This pathway is for longer-term strategic projects/partnerships; can be more complex in nature; requires a co-design stage prior to contracting to balance risk; is open year-round using the same EOI but will be triaged into a higher-contact pathway.

    Expression of Interest now open

RIF Grant support pathways

These pathways involve attracting external (non-Wine Australia) grant funds to increase the funding available to respond to the challenges facing grapegrowers, winemakers and wine businesses.

  • Giant Steps, Yarra Valley, VIC

    Apply for an external grant with support from Wine Australia

    Pursuing a government, research, or industry grant? We can help assess alignment with sector priorities and determine whether support from Wine Australia may strengthen your application.

  • Strategic Grant Partnerships

    Working on a major funding opportunity? Some grants offer exceptional potential to attract investment, build partnerships and deliver significant sector impact. In these cases, Wine Australia may take a more active role in shaping and supporting the opportunity.

Contact us

For further enquiries about the AWFF and Expressions of Interest, email AWFF.

(email address)

Before contacting AWFF

Review the FAQS, current templates and guidance can help you frame your question and identify the information relevant to your enquiry.

  • For eligibility questions, review the current guidance materials.
  • For application documents, use the current application templates.
  • For a grant-specific question or clarification about your proposed activity, email AWFF.
  • For a completed expression of interest, send your email to: (email address)

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