Direct Aid Program (DAP)

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:

• Is a registered Iraqi NGO or community-based organisation
• Has experience in delivering development projects
• Is not a government body or individual
• Can submit documents and communicate in English
  
  

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:

• Empower women and children
• Address climate change, environmental protection, or water scarcity
• Provide or advocate for psychosocial support or disability inclusion
• Promote social cohesion and minority rights

Examples of eligible activities:

• Community health and sanitation
• Small-scale infrastructure (e.g. water tanks, solar lighting)
• Disability access improvements
• 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)
• Projects run by government entities
• Activities without a clear development benefit

How much funding is available?

• You can apply for up to AUD 58,500 (paid in Iraqi Dinar)
• There is no minimum amount
• Projects must be completed within 12 months

Important:

Your application and project budget must be prepared in Australian Dollars (AUD).

If your project is approved, the grant will be paid in Iraqi Dinar (IQD), based on the exchange rate on the day of payment.

After payment, we will recalculate your project budget in IQD, and you will be required to report your spending using this IQD budget.

How to apply?

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

Applications close at 23:59 (EEST/EET) Sunday 12 October 2025.

Application Checklist

All applications need to have the following information:

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.