Call summary :

GUIDELINES ON THE AUSTRALIAN DIRECT AID PROGRAM (DAP) HARARE
The Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe administers a small grants fund annually, known as the Direct Aid Program (DAP).

WHAT IS THE DIRECT AID PROGRAM?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) overseas diplomatic missions. The program aims to support projects with a strong development and human rights focus that complement Australia’s broader aid priorities, and which contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.

WHO CAN APPLY?
The DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to international and local NGOs, civil society organisations and other community-based organisations engaging in development and human rights activities in the Embassy’s countries of accreditation: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, the Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR DAP SUPPORT?
DAP activities should achieve direct, practical, tangible, and immediate high-impact development outcomes for beneficiary communities. Priority thematic areas for the 2023-24 DAP year include:
• gender equality, empowerment of women and social inclusion,
• poverty alleviation and rural development,
• environmental protection and climate change,
• human rights and governance,
• healthcare,
• education, and
• water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

This list is not exhaustive, and applicants may apply for funding for development projects in other thematic areas. Applications that address multiple thematic areas in a single project, will support vulnerable and marginalised communities, clearly articulate the change that would occur during project implementation to achieve stated development outcomes, provide robust public diplomacy opportunities (including links with Australia) shall be favourably considered. Projects should be self-contained with finite timelines. Activities in which the recipient community themselves makes a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials or cash are particularly well-received. Projects that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere will also be welcomed. There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD60,000 (approximately USD 40,000 - amount changes according to the exchange rate) over the life of the project. Activities may run up to a maximum of two years.

All applications must be accompanied by a fully costed project budget. A detailed budget is required and must be supported by two quotations for any budget line between USD700 and USD7,000 and three quotations for amounts above USD7000. Two referees (other than from the applying organisation or from an organisation/person that stands to gain from the proposed project) are required. Additional documents may be attached if necessary, however applicants are encouraged to be concise. Pictures are often helpful.

The Embassy will seek further information if required. Proposals must be clearly defined with specific outputs. Proposals will be approved or rejected based on:
• the costs and the development benefits of the proposal
• achievable and sustainable outcomes
• soundness of the project’s objectives and design
• the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements, and
• whether the project conforms with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program
• applicant’s consideration and approach to risk management e.g., Child Protection, Financial Management, Fraud Risks, Terrorism Risks and Environmental Protection Risks Funding under the DAP is limited and only a small proportion of applications received each year is funded. EXPENSES AND COSTS INELIGIBLE FOR DAP

FUNDING
We cannot fund the following expenses and costs through the DAP:
• operating and administrative costs (staff salaries, allowances, office rent, utilities, etc.)
• workshops and associated expenses (e.g., venue hire, food/drinks, audio/video, and office equipment) – however this can be negotiated depending on the percentage of the full grant the workshops and associated expense will take up
• cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
• commercial ventures or private for-profit business activities
• purchase of major assets, e.g., vehicles or land
• Australian or overseas study tours
• international travel
• sponsorship of major sporting tourname