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. In the Philippines, DAP will support activities that align with the objectives of the Australia-Philippines Development Partnership Plan 2024-29 to promote prosperity, stability and resilience.
Amount and timeline
DAP provides grants of up to PhP1.5 million per approved project with a 12-24 month implementation period. Successful projects are expected to commence implementation immediately.
Who can Apply?
Consistent with Australia's locally led development approach, DAP will priorities organisations that are Philippine-managed, engaged in local development, and duly registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Who are priority sectors?
The DAP aims to address the needs of marginalised populations. The proposed project/activities should prioritise the participation and respond to the needs of the following sectors:
- disadvantaged women
- persons with disabilities
- indigenous peoples
- members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- poor farmers and fisherfolk
- urban poor communities, and
- environmentally vulnerable localities
What activities are eligible for DAP Support?
DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving immediate practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement.
In the Philippines, DAP will support activities that align with Australia and Philippine government objectives to promote prosperity, stability, and resilience. The DAP will prioritise funding activities that:
- promote climate change adaptation/mitigation and disaster resilience
- promote inclusive access to and equitable use of renewable resources for community-based agricultural, water, and energy systems
- create sustainable livelihoods or income-generating activities for marginalised groups
- develop skills and build capacity of vulnerable groups to participate in social and economic activities
- promote access of marginalised groups to nutritious, safe, and sustainable food supply systems
- support youth development
- enhance environmental and biodiversity conversation; and
- address gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection and preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), and promote locally led solutions and innovations
DAP will also strongly support projects that address cross-sectoral needs and those that meet multiple objectives.
How are projects selected for funding?
Successful proposals must meet the following criteria:
- ODA eligibility, and a clear development focus with direct benefits to local communities.
- responsiveness to specific needs of vulnerable or marginalised groups
- evidence of sustainability with demonstrated community commitment to support and sustain project outcomes
- evidence of the ability to identify and manage risks and safeguarding requirements associated with project activities
- substantial counterpart contributions (labour, technical inputs, materials, administrative support, materials, assets, or cash), with demonstrated ability to sustain any recurring costs.
- appropriate institutional arrangements with partner communities, local government units, and/or private sector actors
- ability to provide timely and reliable project reporting; and
- integration of GEDSI, child protection, PSEAH safeguards and environmentally sound practices
What items are not eligible for funding?
Generally, the following items are not funded:
- salaries of permanent staff of the implementing organisation
- fees for consultants and advisors, where they constitute a major cost component
- grant programs run by other government organisations
- micro-credit schemes or any other project that involves return of money or loans for cash
- administrative costs not directly related to project implementation
- international travel as part of the project
- Australian or overseas study tours
- purchase or rental of property or land
- purchase of vehicles
- routine, recurring, and/or running costs including office rent, electricity, water, phone/internet subscriptions
- routine maintenance and repairs (including equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges, etc)
- commercial/for profit ventures
- sponsorships of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
Submission Details
Please submit completed proposals via SmartyGrants no later than Friday 30 January 2026 (Philippine time).
For queries about the guidelines, deadline, or questions in the form, please email DAP.Manila@dfat.gov.au. You may also call +63 2 7757 8262 during business hours.
Please note the DAP will only contact shortlisted organisations for further information, if necessary. Also, the DAP will notify applicants of the outcome of the application round but will not provide feedback on individual application.
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