Australian High Commission
Ghana
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Direct Aid Program

The Direct Aid Program

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.

The program aims to:

  • Advance development outcomes through projects primarily focused on practical and tangible results. This may include, but not limited to, projects which support good governance, gender empowerment, education, countering violent extremism, community services, 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.
  • 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, water and sanitation, countering violent extremism, environmental protection, women's empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, economic livelihoods and human rights.

DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, local or international NGOs engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA). We welcome applications from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. Funding is allocated on a highly competitive basis.

Applications may be submitted by individuals or businesses on behalf of an NGO or other implementing organisation as part of a partnership. In this case, the applying organisation must take responsibility for the management and acquittal of DAP funds. The implementing organisation must be involved in preparing the application and be contactable to verify that the funds are being applied for on their behalf.

 

Applications for the 2022-23 DAP are currently closed and will reopen around August-September 2023.