Deadline: 24-Aug-2025
The Australian Embassy in Tehran has announced the opening of applications for the 2025–2026 Direct Aid Program (DAP), a small grants scheme supporting development activities led by NGOs and not-for-profit organisations.
The focus of the program is on projects with clear developmental objectives that deliver direct benefits to vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, children, and youth, with activities that have a direct, practical, and immediate impact. Eligible activities include community health, education, small-scale infrastructure, sanitation, rural development, environmental development, gender equality, conferences and training activities, as well as cultural and sporting activities.
Grants under the DAP generally range between AUD 5,000 and AUD 30,000 for each project. Proposals should demonstrate measurable outcomes, promote sustainability, and reflect strong community commitment. Applicants are encouraged to design innovative and creative projects, particularly those employing low-technology solutions. Consideration may also be given to disaster relief operations in certain cases, although projects of a routine or recurrent nature, as well as micro-finance or micro-credit schemes, are not funded.
Applications must be submitted through the Smartygrants platform once the DAP round opens in August each year. Proposals should be clearly defined with detailed costing of each major item, without grouping expenses under miscellaneous categories. Submissions should also highlight how the initiative promotes community development, education, health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and disadvantaged groups.
Successful applicants must ensure that all funds are spent and acquitted by 31 May following the grant year, as extensions are not permitted. Applicants and recipients are required to provide accurate reports on outcomes and finances through the Smartygrants platform.
For more information, visit Australian Embassy Islamic Republic of Iran.
