Call summary :

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) provides financial assistance to eligible groups or organisations undertaking suitable small-scale development projects.

In 2024-2025, The Australian High Commission will fund projects in the following focus areas:
- Climate change, environmental protection and promoting biodiversity
- Developing skills for economic empowerment (including blue economy, sport, and the media)
- Human rights, equality and social inclusion
- Countering violent extremism

Projects must be located in one or more of the countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania or Uganda. Activities may run up to a maximum of two years.

Further information on the Australian Government Direct Aid Program can be found here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/direct-aid-program

Projects must have defined, realistic objectives and clear outcomes. The Australian High Commission will award DAP grants at a minimum of AUD 25,000 and a maximum of AUD 60,000. Applications should be made in AUD to an amount within this range when converted at the time of application. Projects must be self-sustaining and recurrent/ongoing costs will not be supported (e.g. salaries/rental/utility costs, micro credit schemes or any other project that involves return of money, etc.). Projects that demonstrate a high level of local involvement or partnership with other likeminded organisations (financially and/or in kind) are encouraged.

Organisations that received funding in both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 rounds are not eligible for funding in 2024-2025.

How do you apply for DAP?

Interested organisations must submit an application via an electronic online form, powered by the SmartyGrants system.

Applications for the 2024-25 DAP Round open 5.00 AM EAT (East Africa Time) Tuesday, 14 May 2024. Applications close 11.59 pm EAT on Friday 14 June 2024.

Applications should be complete proposals for prospective projects. To be eligible for funding, all proposals must include:
- a detailed description of the project and its prospective benefits and costs (for which a DAP Grant will provide only up to AUD 60,000)
- an accurate financial breakdown of costs involved
- a Risk Management Strategy that (if relevant) includes assessment of risks to children
- a timeframe for implementing the project of no more than two years.

Applications will only be accepted online through SmartyGrants. Applications in hard copy or email will not be processed.

Please also note that:
- incomplete applications will not be considered
- only applications addressing one or more of the four Focus Areas above will be considered
- projects approved for funding must adhere to DAP policy guidelines set out by the Australian High Commission for financial management, fraud mitigation and branding (as are set out in the grant agreement letter)
- any unutilised funds must be returned to the Australian Government.