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 & Trade (DFAT) overseas posts. The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.
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).
The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai supports small-scale, sustainable development projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, with grants typically up to INR 20 lakhs.
What activities are eligible for DAP Support?
DAP activities should achieve 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, disabilities, youth, human rights, 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 use sports to achieve development outcomes
- that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
- that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes
- that provide educational or occupational/skills training
While we always seek a diversity of projects, this year we are especially looking for projects that will support development through:
- Sustainability and other areas impacted by the pandemic (such as livelihoods, education and health)
- Health
- WASH or water management
- Education or skills training
- Diversity and inclusion (women and girls empowerment, disability inclusion and LGBTQI+ inclusion)
Projects should be self-contained, with finite time lines. 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. Activities may run up to a maximum of two years. Most projects run for 1 year.
We will generally NOT fund the following:
- 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
- Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
- staff salaries
- travel, accommodation, and food and beverages costs for staff members
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance
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
Expectations for accountability, transparency and reporting
Should your project be successful, you will be required to:
- sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the grant
- keep full financial records of all expenditure, including receipts
- submit a progress report within six months of receiving your funding
- submit a final report at the project’s completion
- allow and facilitate a visit by the representatives of the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai to the project site
If your project changes as it is implemented, approval for the reallocation of funding must be sought from the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai. Any unspent funds at the completion of the project must be returned to the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai.
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