About

Applications are now open for the Direct Aid Program to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) overseas posts.

DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.

Funding Information

• There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD60,000 over the life of the project. 

• Activities may run up to a maximum of two years.

Eligible Activities

• DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement.  They will favourably consider projects:

  • in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, disabilities, youth, human rights, the environment, small-scale infrastructure, economic empowerment and ad hoc humanitarian relief.

  • where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash;

  • sporting activities

  • that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links

  • that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes

  • projects that provide educational or occupational/skills training

Ineligibility Criteria

• They will generally not fund the following:

  • cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money

  • commercial ventures

  • purchase ofmajor assets, eg vehicles

  • Australian or overseas study tours

  • International travel

  • Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit

  • staff salaries

  • routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance

Eligibility

• DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA).

• Projects should be self-contained, with finite time lines. 

• Activities in which the recipient community themselves makes a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials or cash are particularly well-received. 

• Projects that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere will also be welcomed.

• Proposals will be approved or rejected on the basis of:

  •  the costs and the development benefits of the proposal

  • achievable and sustainable outcomes

  • soundness of the project's objectives and design

  • the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements, and

  • whether the project conforms with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program

Post Date: September 04, 2023