What is the Direct Aid Program?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded by the Australian Government. It is managed globally by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through its Embassies, High Commissions, and Consulates.
DAP complements Australia’s International Development Policy and supports local communities to deliver direct, practical, and immediate projects that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.
The Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa’s DAP program supports projects in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic.
Who can Apply?
Not-for-profit organisations, including community groups, non-government organisations (NGOs), research institutions, and other entities engaged in development activities in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic are eligible to apply.
What types of projects are eligible for DAP?
DAP projects should seek to achieve practical and tangible outcomes with high development impact across one or more of the following areas:
- 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, and climate resilience
- governance, peacebuilding (including women, peace, and security), and human rights.
What can’t be funded under DAP?
Generally, the following activities would not be supported by DAP funds:
- cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
- commercial ventures
- purchase of major assets, e.g. 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.
DAP funding and implementation timeframes
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 can run up to a maximum of two years. Projects should be self-contained, with finite timelines.
Application process
The Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa runs a two-stage DAP application process, consisting of an ‘Expression of Interest’ (Stage One) and a ‘Full Proposal’ (Stage Two).
Expressions of Interest submissions will close at 11.59pm (EAT) on Friday, 20 September 2024.
After shortlisting, successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.
Favourable consideration will be given to Full Proposals that:
- address more than one thematic area
- promote GEDSI
- address a tangible community need
- demonstrate sustainable, long-term benefits to a community, sector, or marginalised group
- demonstrate community involvement and ownership
- demonstrate good governance and structural capability to implement effectively.
Projects that act as a catalyst for additional development in the community, or a model for similar development elsewhere, are welcome. Projects in which the recipient community makes a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials, or cash are also well-received.
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