Bangkok 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 and Trade (DFAT) overseas posts. The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader development program which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. 

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, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement.  We will favourably consider projects:

• in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, persons with disability, children, human rights, community health, 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
• that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
• that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes.

We 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.

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 of 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 is AUD60,000 over the life of the project. For this round we aim to fund project up to approximately THB500,000 (AUD21,000). Activities are generally expected to be completed within 12 months of agreeing the DAP contract but may run up to a maximum of two years.

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
• 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

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.