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.

DAP is a key part of the High Commission’s work in our nine countries of accreditation and complements Australia’s contributions to larger development initiatives in the region.

In 2024-25, the Direct Aid Program will focus on the following thematic areas:

• Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Good governance, transparency, and accountability
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Health
• Disability and mental health
• Human rights promotion and inclusion
• Education

Applications for the 2024-25 DAP are by invitation only.

Applicants include community groups, NGOs and other not-for-profit entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA).

The 2024-25 DAP is open to applicants from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Funding is allocated on a competitive basis.

Photo: Women from Zagyuri community fetch water from their newly constructed solar-powered water system

Photo: High Commissioner H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones tours the newly constructed Neonatal ICU at the Ketu South Municipal hospital

DAP is available to not-for-profit individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA). In 2023-24, applications are open to Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Funding is allocated on a competitive basis.