The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded from Australia's aid budget. It has the flexibility to work with local communities in developing countries on projects that reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development consistent with Australia's national interest.

It sits alongside Australia's longer-term country and multilateral development strategies and with its wide geographical reach plays an important role in supporting local community efforts towards poverty reduction across the globe.

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.

Funding Information

There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD 60,000 over the life of the project. Projects of a lower value (up to AUD 35,000) are highly encouraged. DAP partners are encouraged to contribute to at least 25 per cent of the total project cost. Activities can run up to a maximum of two years.

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities should achieve practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact. Preference will be given to projects:

• where applicants and their communities make a contribution to the success of the project (e.g. labor, materials, transport or cash);
• that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links;
• that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes; and
• That provide educational or occupational/skills training.

They will generally not fund the following:

• cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money;
• start-up enterprises/ commercial ventures;
• purchases of major assets: vehicles, tractors, refrigerators, photocopiers;
• purchases of computers and other items which are easily stolen (cameras, laptops);
• Australian or overseas study tours;
• international travel (except for capacity building by experts, on a case-by-case basis);
• sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit; and
• Staff salaries and other routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts and routine maintenance.

Who can apply?

Funding is available on a not-for-profit basis to community groups, NGOs and other entities registered in Pakistan.

How will applications be assessed?

The DAP Committee will assess the applications against the following criteria:

• the costs and the development benefits of the project;
• whether it has achievable and sustainable outcomes;
• the soundness of the project's objectives and design;
• the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements, and;
• Whether the project conforms to the objectives of the Direct Aid Program.

For more information, visit Australian High Commission.