Deadline: 15-Sep-23
Applications are now open for the Direct Aid Program (DAP), a flexible small grants program funded from Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s (DFAT) overseas posts.
The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia’s broader aid program. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.
The Australian Embassy in Beirut aims to support a geographic spread of projects and to balance support among different communities in Lebanon.
Funding Information
- There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD60,000 over the life of the project.
- To ensure they support as many projects as possible each year, they generally fund projects that are between USD 10,000 – 15,000 in value.
Eligible Activities
- DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. They will favourably consider projects:
- in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, human rights (including LGBTQI+), economic livelihoods, and food security;
- that are self-contained and achievable within one year (two year projects are only approved in very rare circumstances);
- that have sustainable outcomes, including having sustainable funding sources for the project (e.g. a proven method of paying salaries and paying recurrent costs for workers, equipment maintenance etc. at a rehabilitated medical clinic);
- that can demonstrate the project will benefit all members of the community in an inclusive way (e.g. supporting both Lebanese and refugee populations in a specific region);
- that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere;
- that demonstrate a commitment to disability inclusion in the design of the project;
- where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash;
- that provide educational or occupational/skills training that will provide an enduring benefit for participants.
Eligibility Criteria
- DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to local organisations at the community level (community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities) in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA).
- Lebanon is eligible for ODA.
Ineligibility Criteria
- They will generally not fund the following:
- cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
- the establishment of commercial, for-profit ventures
- the purchase of major assets that have recurrent costs, e.g. vehicles and generators that rely on a steady supply of fuel
- international travel, including for study tours
- sponsorship of sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear, ongoing developmental benefit
- staff salaries of the entity that is applying (except the use of contractors or consultants to achieve a specific outcome within the project)
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance
- catering and food and beverage expenses for events or conferences.
For more information, visit Australian Embassy in Lebanon.