Cairo Direct Aid Program 2026-27

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) funded from Australia’s aid budget, is a small grants program run by The Australian Embassy in Egypt each year.

DAP funding is available to community groups, international or Australian NGOs, academic institutions, research bodies, libraries, museums, or other organisations engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis. The Australian Embassy in Egypt administers DAP funding for projects taking place in Egypt (NGOs in Egypt must be registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity), Sudan and Eritrea.

DAP projects can run for up to two years.

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). 

DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical, direct and tangible outcomes. DAP projects can cover a range of sectors including education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women's empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, economic livelihoods, food security and human rights.

What will we be looking out for in your applications?

• detailed, realistic explanation of project purpose and activities with clear timelines
• accurate budgets including all costs associated with the project's activities
• further breakdown of costs on budget items and explanation for any recurrent costs and how they will be funded through other sources
• evidence of the history of the organisation and any past projects
• If your project involves minors, a child protection policy must be provided

We will generally NOT fund projects that have the below criteria as the main objective / key focus:

• support commercial ventures / purposes
• support salaries, rental of land, vehicles or assets
• sponsoring a major sporting tournament
• are run by other governments
• has the primary purpose of promoting Australian interests.

Please note the DAP program is competitive. Due to the volume of applications, the Embassy will not be able to provide individual feedback.

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.