Addis Ababa Direct Aid Program 2026-27

What is the Direct Aid Program?

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. The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.

Who can Apply?

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). 

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

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. We will favourably consider projects on:

• Gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI)
• Health services and education, particularly women’s and girl’s sexual and reproductive health rights
• Agriculture, food security, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience; including initiatives contributing to Ethiopia’s COP32 priorities
• Governance, Peacebuilding (including women, peace, and security), and human rights.

We will generally NOT fund the following:

• cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
• commercial ventures
• purchase of major 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

Projects should be self-contained, with finite timelines. 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 in the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere will also be welcomed. There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum the Australian Embassy Addis Ababa will be considering this round is AUD60,000 with a maximum implementation timeframe of two years. However, projects with shorter durations are preferred.

Proposals must be clearly defined with specific outputs. Proposals will be approved or rejected on the basis of:

• the costs and the development benefits of the proposal
• achievable and sustainable outcomes
• address a tangible community need
• demonstrate community involvement and ownership
• soundness of the project's objectives and design
• The applying individual’s or organisation’s experience and track record
• the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements, and
• whether the project conforms with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program
• Applicant’s consideration and approach to risk management e.g Child Protection, Financial Management, Fraud Risks, Terrorism Risks and Environmental Protection Risks.

This form is to be completed by the applicant online. All applications must be accompanied by a fully costed project budget which is included in this online form.

This application form should be read in conjunction with information on the Direct Aid Program available at - https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/pages/direct-aid-program

Notes:

1. DAP building and construction related projects should meet or exceed Australian standards wherever reasonably practicable to do so. Departure from Australian WHS standards on the basis that meeting such standards is not “reasonably practicable” should only be accepted where it is defensible to do so, supported by a clear, persuasive and documented explanation. In such cases, the project should meet the highest standard that is reasonably practicable, with hazard mitigation measures supported by a hazard identification and risk assessment report identifying the residual risks of injury and illness to any workers or third parties, and proposed mitigation strategy.

2. If the project involves working with children, the organisation must have a current child protection policy or code of conduct to be eligible. For information on child protection policy, see https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/child-protection/Pages/child-protection

3. Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that no support or resources are provided to any entity subject to sanctions (by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government).

4. Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that the work conducted in relation to this project is undertaken in a safe manner and complies with all applicable local laws, standards and policies that relate to health and safety.

5. This full proposal which must align with the information provided in the Expression of Interests.