Yangon Direct Aid Program 2025-26

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 Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at overseas posts. The program complements Australia's broader development and humanitarian program.

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 projects are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP projects should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP can fund projects that have a direct, practical, and immediate impact, including capacity building programs. In Myanmar in 2025-26, we will favourably consider projects in the areas of:

• Youth empowerment and sport;and
• Cultural heritage and the creative economy.

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, e.g., 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 timelines. Projects in which the recipient community themselves make a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials or cash are particularly welcomed. 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. Projects may run up to a maximum of two years.

Proposals must be clearly defined with specific outputs.  Proposals will be approved or rejected based on:

• 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.

Finally, projects must be assessed as being eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This means the projects must have economic development and welfare of developing countries as their primary purpose and be consistent with ODA rules. More information on ODA is available at https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/official-development-assistance-oda.html. 

This Expression of Interest (EOI) form is to be completed by the applicant online. This 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.  

Please note the information provided in this form will be held in strict confidence.

The process and timeline

Following a review of EOIs by the Australian Embassy in Myanmar, shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a more detailed application. Please note that applicants invited to submit a detailed application will not be guaranteed funding as success will depend on the quality of the application as well as the funds available. The detailed application will explain the project activities in more detail, including planned activities and beneficiaries. It will also include information on risk management and a more detailed budget. 

Indicative 2025-26 timeline:

• May-June 2025: Preparation and submissions of EOIs.
• June-July 2025: Australian Embassy reviews EOIs and shortlisted applicants are invited to submit detailed applications.
• July-September 2025: Detailed applications are prepared and submitted, Australian Embassy reviews detailed applications, and applicants are advised of the outcome.
• September-October 2025: Grant agreements are finalised, and projects commence.

Additional notes:

1. DAP building and construction related projects should meet or exceed Australian standards wherever reasonably practicable to do so. Departure from Australian Work Health and Safety (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 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/child-protection.
3. Projects must play an active role in addressing the risk of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.  The organisation must have a current policy or code of conduct on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment to be eligible. For further information see https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/preventing-sexual-exploitation-abuse-and-harassment.  
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). A detailed list of all entities and individuals subject to Australian and UNSC sanctions can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consolidated List: https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/consolidated-list. Further information on Australia's Myanmar sanctions can be found at: https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/sanctions-regimes/myanmar-sanctions-regime.
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. Please note proposed budgets must be provided using Australian dollars. Payment will be made in Australian dollars, so applicants must have a bank account that accepts payments in Australian dollars.