Deadline: 27-Feb-24
Applications are now open for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) that works with local communities in developing countries on projects to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development consistent with Australia’s national interest.
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded by Australian Government and managed by the Australian High Commission New Delhi.
DAP funding is available to not-for-profit individuals, community groups, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other entities engaged in development activities. The project activities and outcomes should reflect and strengthen the social, development and cultural ethos and partnerships between Australia and India.
The program is founded on a set of principles which:
- advance developmental outcomes in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) through projects primarily focused on practical and tangible results. This may include projects which support good governance, human rights and those with a strong advocacy component,
- support Australia’s wider foreign and trade policy interests and public diplomacy objectives, including promoting a distinctive and positive image of Australia, and
- allow for a wide geographic reach reflecting that Australia has global interests and that DAP provides an effective way to build relationships and maintain Australia’s profile.
DAP projects cover a range of sectors such as education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, economic livelihoods, food security and human rights.
DAP projects engage a wide range of partners including community groups, non-government organisations, educational institutions and local governments. Through helping people in need they can show Australia is a supportive and trusted partner in addressing aid challenges in partner countries.
Funding Information
- There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is INR 10,00,000 over the life of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
- The project must be located in Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and/or Uttar Pradesh
- The project must deliver strong developmental outcomes that are clearly defined, specific, achievable, and sustainable
- Project timeline should be 12-months or less
- Applicants must adhere to local legislation including Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) requirements
Ineligible
- They will generally not fund the following:
- staff salaries
- loans, cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
- commercial venturespurchase of major assets, e.g. vehicles, or property
- international travel
- sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
- construction activities
- routine, recurring or running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs
- In some cases, limited DAP funding can be used to for renovation of DAP project sites as well as pay for professional consultants and advisors exclusively for their work on the DAP project. The program can also support domestic travel expenses when they are directly related to project implementation. However, such funding should be in small proportion relative to the overall project and should not constitute a major cost component.
For more information, visit Australian High Commission New Delhi.