Direct Aid Program – Sri Lanka & Maldives
What is the Direct Aid Program?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible and competitive small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through 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 which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.
Who can Apply?
DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to legally registered community groups, local or international non-government organisations (NGOs), academic bodies, independent institutions or associations (projects cannot be submitted by individuals), based in, or with an office in Sri Lanka or Maldives.
All projects proposals funded under DAP must:
· Qualify as Official Development Assistance (ODA) (as defined by the OECD).
· Cost up to AUD 60,000.
· Have a specified duration of up to one year.
· Be from a legally registered community group, international or local non-government organisation (NGO), academic body, independent institution or association (projects cannot be submitted by individuals), based in, or with an office in Sri Lanka or Maldives.
· Be received by 10 April 2020, 5 PM (Sri Lanka Time).
· Project start date is 1 June 2020
· For further enquiries, contact [email protected] or +94771454308
· For access applications;
English - https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Colomboenglish2020
Sinhala - https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Colombosinhala2020
Tamil - https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Colombotamil2020
Preference will be given to projects that address one or more of the following:
For Sri Lanka projects
· Support economic livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and people with disabilities;
· Promote social inclusion and cohesion; and
· Strengthen and support community responsive approaches on good governance and peace-building.
For Maldives projects
· Promote oceans conservation and environmental sustainability;
· Promote social inclusion and cohesion; and
· Strengthen and support community responsive approaches on good governance and the rule of law.
We will generally NOT fund the following:
· Cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
· Commercial ventures
· Purchase of major assets, e.g. vehicles
· Australian or overseas study tours
· International travel
· Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
· The administration cost of the project must be less than 10% of the value of the project. DAP will not fund salaries, rent or other overheads of NGOs outside of the 10% maximum administration cost. Only costs related to project will be funded.
· Animal husbandry (e.g. chickens) and farming
The Direct Aid Program is a competitive process, and not all worthy projects will be able to be funded. The High Commission reserves the right to accept or reject applications and its decisions are final.