Baghdad Direct Aid Program - 2026/2027

Direct Aid Program (DAP) - Application Guidelines

The Australian Embassy in Iraq invites applications for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) – a competitive small grants initiative supporting community-led development projects that deliver practical and immediate benefits to vulnerable groups.

Who can apply?

You can apply if your organisation:

• Community-based organisations
• Local, international and multilateral non-government organisations
• Educational institutions
• Research organisations and other not-for-profit entities
• Government entities, where funding is consistent with DAP objectives and ODA requirements

What kind of projects can be funded?

We fund small-scale, high-impact projects that:

• Are locally designed and led
• Can be completed within 12 months or less
• Deliver clear and measurable benefits to the community

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Provide or advocate for psychosocial support and disability inclusion initiatives
• Promote social cohesion and minority rights
• Promote the protection and empowerment of women and children.

Examples of eligible activities:

• Community health and sanitation
• Access and improvements to disability services
• Provision of essential supplies to vulnerable groups
• Community safety and accessibility enhancements

What activities are NOT eligible?

DAP does not fund:

• Salaries, rent, utilities, or ongoing operational costs
• International travel or study tours
• Projects that return money to individuals (e.g. microcredit)
• Commercial or for-profit ventures
• Purchase of major assets (e.g. vehicles)
• Activities without a clear development benefit

How much funding is available?

• You can apply for up to AUD 100,000 (paid in Iraqi Dinar)
• There is no minimum amount
• Projects must be completed within 12 months

Your application and project budget must be prepared in Iraqi Dinar (IQD). If your project is approved, the grant will be paid in Iraqi Dinar (IQD

How to apply?

Applications are to be lodged using the online form on the DAP SmartyGrants portal. 

Applications close at 23:59 (GMT+3) Sunday 19 October 2026.

Application Checklist

All applications need to have the following information:

• A clear project proposal with goals and expected outcomes
• Fully costed project budget in AUD, including details of other funding sourcess
• Registration certificate (for Iraqi NGOs)
• Details of two referees
• Child Protection Code of Conduct/Child Protection Policy (where project involves working with children)
• The total funding available for the DAP round, not the amount available to an individual applicant. Funding may be shared between two or more successful projects. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed activities and budget can be adjusted if partial funding is offered.

Accountability, Transparency and Reporting

The Australian Embassy requires a high degree of transparency and accountability in relation to all projects that receive DAP grants. Proposals must demonstrate that the risk of wastage, administration costs and other costs not delivering direct benefit to the target community will be minimised.

If your project is funded, your organisation must:

• Sign a grant agreement with the Embassy
• Keep full financial records (including receipts)
• Submit a progress report within 6 months
• Submit a final report with financial acquittal at the end

Projects involving construction must meet Australian standards where possible.

No DAP funds may be used to support individuals or groups under UN or Australian sanctions.

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

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 incidental or minimal contact with children, the organisation/applicant must meet the essential standards required by DFAT’s Child Protection Policy. But if the organisation or the DAP activity will have direct, sustained or significant contact with children then the organisation/applicant must meet the comprehensive standards. However, DFAT may consider essential standards for locally based/small organisations delivering a DAP activity if deemed appropriate following a risk assessment. Posts may support an organisation to mitigate child protection risks. For information on child protection policy, see https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/child-protection/Pages/child-protection

3. Projects must play an active role in addressing the risk of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.  For further information see Protection From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)

4. Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that no support or resources are provided to any individual or entity subject to sanctions (by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government) or to any individuals or entities associated with terrorism.

5. 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.