Deadline: 30-Oct-20
Australian Commission in Spain has announced The Direct Aid Program (DAP) – a flexible small grants program to support development projects that contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. The Australian High Commission in Port of Spain administers DAP in the Caribbean.
What projects are eligible?
DAP activities should have achievable and sustainable development outcomes for the communities involved. In 2020-21, DAP will support projects that focus on:
- Addressing community health challenges and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) e.g. health screening services, public health campaigns, sporting projects etc.
- Promoting human rights, including projects that empower women, youth, Indigenous communities and people with disability e.g. capacity building training etc.
- Improving access to safe water and levels of sanitation and hygiene in communities e.g. water tanks/systems, sanitation facilities etc.
- Promoting sustainable environmental practices e.g. protection of coral reefs, sustainable fishing and sustainable agricultural practices etc.
Preference will be given to projects where applicants and their communities make a contribution to the project (e.g. by providing labor, materials, transport or monetary support).
Funding Information
- Projects are generally between AUD5, 000 and AUD40, 000.
- Eligible applicants may apply for funding of up to a maximum AUD60, 000, but projects over AUD30, 000 must be delivered in partnership with established entities and have a strong project design with a detailed budget, project timeline and risk management strategy.
Ineligible Funding
The following expenses are not eligible for funding:
- grants programs run by governments or organizations;
- micro-credit schemes or any project that involves return of money or loans of cash;
- staff salaries for implementing organizations;
- administrative costs not directly related to project implementation;
- rent or purchase of land;
- purchase of vehicles or fuel;
- routine, recurring and/or running costs including: office rental and utility costs; routine maintenance and repairs (including of equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges etc.) and office or equipment insurance;
- commercial ventures;
- catering;
- accommodation;
- transport, including flights, taxis and vehicle hire (although some costs may be considered on a case-by-case basis);
- sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have clear development outcomes;
- direct support for governments.
Eligibility Criteria
Community groups, NGOs, local government organizations and other entities engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis in the countries listed below are eligible to apply for funding through DAP:
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Belize;
- Dominica;
- Grenada;
- Guyana;
- Haiti;
- Jamaica;
- St Lucia;
- St Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Suriname.
All payments to successful applicants, however, will only be transferred into registered NGO or entity accounts (i.e. payments will not be made into personal accounts). Any changes made to the project scope or approved budget must be approved by the High Commission. Failure to seek prior approval will result in a breach of the contract and all unapproved expenditure will need to be repaid.
Assessment Criteria
The High Commission assesses applications against the following criteria:
- the project meets the requirements of DAP;
- the project aligns with the identified themes for 2020-21;
- the project has achievable and sustainable development outcomes;
- the cost of the project relative to the development outcomes;
- the completeness of the project application;
- the practicality of the project’s implementation arrangements.
During the assessment process, the High Commission may seek further information from the applicant.
For more information, visit https://trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au/ptsp/cooperation.html
