Port Louis DAP FY 2026/2027 Open Round - EN

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 funds are available on a not-for-profit basis to registered community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in Mauritius (including Rodrigues), Comoros and Madagascar. We welcome projects with a regional dimension. Regional projects including Seychelles may be considered if the other countries will benefit from Seychelles’ participation or if there are other funding sources for Seychelles.

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities are aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. Projects that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere will be welcomed.

The maximum amount for each grant is AUD60,000 (or the USD equivalent) and projects should be completed within one year from the date of entering into the grant agreement.

NOTE: Based on strong justifications, a project proposal may be exceptionally considered to be spread over a maximum of two years. Prior approval of the Australian High Commission/Embassy must be sought for any extension of timeframe and other variations on components.

 Priority areas for 2026-27 are:

• Climate, disaster resilience, and renewable energy
• Climate smart agriculture and food security
• Blue economy and marine biodiversity
• Human rights and gender equality

Applicants may apply for funding for development projects in other thematic areas.

The following activities are NOT eligible for funding under the DAP:

• Australian or overseas study tours
• International travel (except in exceptional cases where it is a small component of overall budget)
• Grants programs run by other governments or organisations
• Micro-credit schemes and or projects that involve the return of money or loans for cash
• Permanent staff salaries or related fees
• Commercial ventures
• Purchase or rental of major assets including property or land
• Purchase of vehicles (medical/emergency or farming vehicles may be considered in exceptional cases)
• Routine, recurring and/or running costs of the applying organisation including staff salaries; office rental and utility costs; spare parts and office supplies
• Routine maintenance and repairs (including of equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges etc.)
• Office or equipment insurance
• Administrative costs not directly related to project implementation
• Commemorative events
• Sporting tournaments or cultural displays, that do not have clear developmental outcomes
• Direct support to governments

NOTE: Projects which include ineligible components can be considered only if the proposal clearly states how these components will be funded by other sources.

How do I apply?

This application form should be completed online via the SmartyGrants platform at: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/PortLouisFY2026-2027-EN.

 Your application should

• comply with guidelines above
• clearly articulate the positive change and impact that would occur following project implementation
• include an itemised and fully costed project budget
• include two referees – these cannot be from the applicant organisation or from an organisation which stands to gain from the proposed project
• show with the help of a timeline or work plan that the project will be completed within one year.

Proposals should demonstrate a commitment on the part of beneficiaries to implement the activities and maintain them beyond the conclusion of the project.

Applications for this round must be received no later than 23:59 hours MUT (GMT+4) on Sunday 20 September 2026.

All queries should be directed to the DAP Program Officer via email to DAP.PortLouis@dfat.gov.au.

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. 

6. Only successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection exercise.