What is the Direct Aid Program?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded from Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s (DFAT) overseas posts. The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.
Who can Apply?
DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to local organisations at the community level (community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities) in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA). Lebanon is eligible for 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 education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, human rights (including LGBTQI+), economic livelihoods, and food security;
- that are self-contained and achievable within one year (two year projects are only approved in very rare circumstances);
- that have sustainable outcomes, including having sustainable funding sources for the project (e.g a proven method of paying salaries and paying recurrent costs for workers, equipment maintenance etc at a rehabilitated medical clinic);
- that can demonstrate the project will benefit all members of the community in an inclusive way (e.g supporting both Lebanese and refugee populations in a specific region);
- that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere;
- that demonstrate a commitment to disability inclusion in the design of the project;
- where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash;
- that provide educational or occupational/skills training that will provide an enduring benefit for participants.
We will generally NOT fund the following:
- cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
- the establishment of commercial, for-profit ventures
- the purchase of major assets that have recurrent costs, eg vehicles and generators that rely on a steady supply of fuel
- international travel, including for study tours
- sponsorship of sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear, ongoing developmental benefit
- staff salaries of the entity that is applying (except the use of contractors or consultants to achieve a specific outcome within the project)
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance
- catering and food and beverage expenses for events or conferences.
There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD60,000 over the life of the project. We have generally funded projects that are between USD8,000-25,000 in value.
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
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