Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
The Tala Kei Kapa Program strengthens Tonga’s disaster preparedness, response, and early recovery systems. It provides funding for government initiatives and civil society organisations (CSOs) to implement inclusive, locally led disaster and climate change interventions. Grants support activities across the prepare, respond, and recover phases, with funding up to AUD 500,000 for eligible organisations.
Overview
The Tala Kei Kapa: Prepare, Respond, Recover Humanitarian Program is a strategic initiative supporting the Government of Tonga and civil society in disaster risk management. Its primary goal is to enhance national and community-level disaster preparedness, deliver timely emergency responses, and facilitate early recovery assistance for disaster-affected populations. The program emphasizes inclusive, locally led disaster management aligned with Tonga’s Disaster Risk Management Act (2021) and Disaster Risk Management Policy Framework 2023–2030. It integrates community-led emergency planning, operational coordination via the national cluster system, and strengthened civil society engagement.
Key Objectives
The program’s objectives are: 1. Ensure government and civil society lead effective, inclusive disaster responses. 2. Enhance coordination through the National Risk Management and Disaster Office (NRMDO). 3. Empower civil society organisations (CSOs) to represent and support community disaster priorities. 4. Foster stronger, locally led disaster and climate change response mechanisms.
Program Structure
The Tala Kei Kapa Program is organized around two pillars:
1. Government Funding
Supports initiatives led by the Government of Tonga and enhances national-level disaster coordination, preparedness, and recovery efforts.
2. Civil Society Grants
Provides grants to eligible CSOs to implement humanitarian activities. Activities align with the emergency management cycle: Prepare → Respond → Recover. Eligible activities include anticipatory action interventions, inclusive disaster preparedness programs, climate change adaptation initiatives, capacity building for communities and CSOs, protection and psychosocial services, education and shelter programs, and implementation of the DRM Policy Framework. Grants can support multi-year projects up to five years, with a maximum funding limit of AUD 500,000.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organisations must meet the following criteria: Registered non-government entities with an established presence or network in Tonga. Local NGOs are prioritised; international NGOs may apply only if partnered with a local implementing organisation. Must meet DFAT due diligence requirements, including child protection policies, prevention of sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse, and proactive risk management approaches. Submission of two referee reports demonstrating organisational experience and capacity. Commitment to actively participate in national cluster systems and align activities with cluster plans.
How It Works – Application and Implementation
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Proposal Submission: CSOs submit funding proposals aligned with program outcomes, demonstrating clear alignment with prepare, respond, recover objectives.
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Assessment and Selection: Eligibility, organisational capacity, and alignment with cluster priorities are reviewed, with priority for locally led, community-focused interventions.
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Grant Agreement: Successful applicants receive a grant agreement detailing activities, funding, and reporting requirements.
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Implementation: Organisations implement activities according to approved plans, with mandatory participation in national clusters.
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Monitoring and Reporting: Regular reporting ensures activities meet program objectives, and DFAT standards for risk management, protection, and accountability are maintained.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Not partnering locally: International NGOs must have local partners to be eligible. Incomplete due diligence: Ensure child protection and risk management policies are fully documented. Misaligned proposals: Activities must clearly follow prepare, respond, recover phases and cluster plans. Weak community engagement: Projects must demonstrate inclusive and community-led approaches.
Why It Matters
Tonga faces frequent natural disasters and climate-related risks. This program strengthens national and local disaster resilience, empowers communities and CSOs to lead disaster response, enhances inclusive and sustainable recovery efforts, and supports climate adaptation and risk reduction strategies.
FAQ – Tala Kei Kapa Program
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What types of activities are funded? Disaster preparedness, anticipatory actions, climate adaptation, community capacity building, protection services, education, shelter, and DRM policy implementation.
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How much funding can organisations receive? Up to AUD 500,000 per project, including multi-year activities up to five years.
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Who can apply? Registered NGOs with an established presence in Tonga. Local organisations are prioritised. International NGOs must partner with local NGOs.
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What documents are required? Organisation registration, due diligence policies, and two referee reports.
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Do organisations need to follow government plans? Yes. Activities must align with national cluster plans and Tonga’s DRM frameworks.
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Can projects be multi-year? Yes, grants can support projects for up to five years.
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How is progress monitored? Through regular reporting, cluster participation, and compliance with DFAT standards.
Conclusion
The Tala Kei Kapa Program is a critical initiative enabling Tonga to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively. By funding government initiatives and empowering civil society organisations, the program ensures inclusive, locally led, and resilient disaster management. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply, contribute to community resilience, and strengthen Tonga’s capacity to face climate and disaster challenges.
For more information, visit Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa.
