Nairobi DAP Round FY2026-27

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 to not-for-profit 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 sustainable 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 where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash.

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, eg vehicles, land ... etc
• 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
• workshops and associated expenses (e.g., venue hire, food/drinks, audio/video)
• consulting fees ​
• construction projects that use asbestos or other materials that are hazardous to human health
• direct support for governments
• sponsorship of advocacy/fund-raising/commemoration events
• projects run by multilateral organizations such as UN and UN sponsored agencies such as UNHCR and UNESCO
• organisation with a current active DAP project

Projects should be self-contained, with finite time lines. 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
• whether the project conforms with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program

In 2026-27, the Direct Aid Program in East Africa will prioritise projects in the following areas of focus:

• Climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation
• Skills development, sport, media and blue economy initiatives
• Health, community well-being and access to essential services
• Human rights, governance, gender equality and social inclusion
• Prevention of human trafficking and protection of vulnerable groups
• Peacebuilding and countering violent extremism

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/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 Australian Work and Health Standards (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, see https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/corporate/ethics-integrity-and-professional-standards-policy-manual.

2. If the project involves working with children, the organisation must have a current child protection policy or code of conduct to be eligible. 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 Preventing 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 entity subject to sanctions (by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government).

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.