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).
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, 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;
- sporting activities
- that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
- that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes
- projects that provide educational or occupational/skills training
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 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 AUD60,000 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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