About the Organization
The Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru focuses on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Australia through political, economic and cultural engagement in the South Indian states of Karnataka and Telangana.
About the Grant
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 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.
DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. We will favourably consider:
- projects that incorporate gender inclusion (including LGBTQIA+) and/or disability inclusion
- projects that provide educational or occupational/skills training, particularly in STEM
- projects that enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people links between India and Australia
- projects that tackle environment and climate change challenges
- sporting activities
Ideally, applicants and their communities should make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash. Projects should be achievable and have sustainable outcomes.
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, eg vehicles
- Australian or overseas study tours
- International travel
- Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
- staff salaries
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance.
Projects should be self-contained, with finite time lines. 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.
Applications of value around 5-10 lakh INR (AUD10,000-20,000) will be strongly considered. There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive, however we will generally not consider projects above 15 lakh (AUD 30,000). Activities may run up to a maximum of two years. Proposals must be clearly defined with specific outputs.
Proposals will be approved or rejected on the basis of:
- 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.
Who can Apply
DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA).
How to Apply
Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at midnight 15 December 2023 (AEDT).
You can apply by visiting: Link
