DIRECT AID PROGRAM (DAP) – AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY PARIS
What is the Direct Aid Program (DAP)?
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 in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA), with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program which contributes to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Further information on DAP can be found on the following website: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/direct-aid-program
Who is eligible to apply?
The Australian Embassy in Paris manages DAP and disburses funds for eligible projects in three of its countries of accreditation (Algeria, Chad, and Mauritania). The 2024-25 DAP is open to applicants for projects in Algeria.
DAP funding is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities.
How much can I apply for?
For the 2024-25 DAP, applicants can apply for a maximum of AUD 65,000 (around DZD 5,575,000) over the life of the project. Applications requesting more than AUD 65,000 (DZD 5,575,000) will not be accepted. There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive.
When do projects need to be completed by?
Successful applicants may run projects for up to a maximum of two years from the date of the signed agreement, but projects should be self-contained, with finite timelines.
What can DAP pay for?
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 consider projects:
- in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, disabilities, youth, human rights, the environment, small-scale infrastructure, economic empowerment and ad hoc humanitarian relief
- where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash
- sporting activities
- that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
- that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes
- projects that provide educational or occupational/skills training.
For 2024-2025, particular consideration will be given to applications where the project focus is women's empowerment and gender equality. As recognised in Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy (published in February 2025), gender equality benefits everyone and is a necessary foundation for peace, prosperity and stability. It drives economic growth, enhances social cohesion and increases the wellbeing of all members of society. We will favourably consider projects that:
- work to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and protect and advance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
- pursue gender responsive peace and security efforts
- deliver gender equitable climate action and humanitarian assistance
- promote women’s economic equality and inclusive trade
- support locally led approaches to women’s leadership.
What can’t DAP pay for?
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
- staff salaries
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance.
How can I apply?
All applications for DAP must be submitted through Smartygrants, our online grants management system. Smartygrants operates on a web-based platform and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
The Australian Embassy in Paris operates DAP per the Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June). For the financial year 2024-25, we are running one DAP round. The round will open on Friday 21 February at 12:00 CET and close on Monday 10 March at 12:00 CET. We will not be able to accept applications outside these timeframes.
Apply here - follow the link below to begin your application process: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Algeria2024-25
How long will it take to get an answer?
Final decisions on funding of projects will depend on various factors, including the cost of an individual project, its merits in comparison to other requests for assistance, and of course, the availability of funds under the DAP.
Please note that not all projects are able to be funded. We will only consider applications that meet all criteria and only the best applications will be selected.
Applications will be assessed following the closure of the round and successful applicants notified. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Funding Conditions
All recipients of DAP funds are required to provide documentation of expenditure and submit progress reports and an acquittal report that provides an accurate assessment of the actual outcomes of the activities (assessed against the anticipated outcomes stated in the application). Funds must be returned if the project does not proceed or is not completed in its entirety. Further information will be provided to successful applicants.
What do I do if I need help?
If you have any questions while completing your application, please contact the DAP Program Manager at the Australian Embassy in Paris via [email protected] or call +33 1 40 59 33 00. Make sure to include your application number in your email subject.