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 Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. 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.
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 aim to achieve practical and tangible outcomes. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact. We will favourably consider projects:
- that improve the livelihood of communities;
- that are inclusive, sustainable and have lasting development impacts;
- promoting women’s empowerment, indigenous groups and vulnerable minority groups;
- supporting disability inclusion;
- that focus on climate change and environmental protection;
- that have the support of a trustworthy referee;
- where the community makes a contribution to, or is involved in, the implementation of the project; and
- where other donors also support the project.
We will generally NOT fund the following:
- large scale infrastructure projects (e.g. buildings, halls);
- cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money;
- commercial ventures;
- purchase of major assets (e.g. vehicles, boats);
- Australian or overseas study tours;
- International or domestic travel;
- Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit;
- staff salaries or participant allowances;
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses, including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance; or
- requests from individuals and individual families, such as for scholarships, school fees or personal financial assistance.
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. There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD100,000 over the life of the project. Activities 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
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