The Direct Aid Program (DAP) provides financial assistance to eligible groups or organisations undertaking suitable small-scale development projects.
In financial year 2026 -2027, the Australian High Commission will fund projects in the following focus areas:
• climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
• skills development, sport, media and blue economy initiatives.
• health, community wellbeing and access to essential services.
• human rights, governance, gender equality, and social inclusion.
• prevention of human trafficking and protection of vulnerable groups.
• peacebuilding and countering violent extremism.
Projects must be located in one or more of the countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania or Uganda. Activities may run up to a maximum of two years.
Projects must have defined, realistic objectives and clear outcomes. The Australian High Commission will award DAP grants up to a maximum of AUD 60,000. Applications should be made in AUD. Projects must be self-sustaining and recurrent/ongoing costs will not be supported (e.g. salaries/rental/utility costs, micro credit schemes or any other project that involves return of money, etc.). Projects that demonstrate a high level of local involvement or partnership with other likeminded organisations (financially and/or in kind) are encouraged.
Organisations that currently have an active project under DAP (for example some of those that received funding in either 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 rounds), are not eligible for funding in 2026-2027.
How do you apply for the Direct Aid Program?
Interested organisations must submit an application via an electronic online form, powered by the SmartyGrants system.
Applications for the 2026 -27 DAP Round open 1:00 AM EAT (East Africa Time) Thursday, 16 July 2026. Applications close at 11.59 pm EAT on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
APPLY HERE - https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/NairobiDAPRoundFY2026-27
Applications should be complete proposals for prospective projects. To be eligible for funding, all proposals must include:
- a detailed description of the project and its prospective benefits and costs (for which a DAP Grant will provide only up to AUD 60,000)
- an accurate financial breakdown of costs involved
- a protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Risk Management Strategy
- Child Protection Policy (if working with children);and
- a timeframe for implementing the project of no more than two years.
Applications will only be accepted online through SmartyGrants. Applications in hard copy or email will NOT be processed.
Please also note that:
- incomplete applications will not be considered
- only applications addressing one or more of the above focus areas above will be considered
- projects approved for funding must adhere to DAP policy guidelines set out by the Australian High Commission for financial management, fraud mitigation and branding (as are set out in the grant agreement letter)
- any unutilised funds must be returned to the Australian Government.
Further information on the Australian Government Direct Aid Program can be found here: http://dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/Pages/direct-aid-program.aspx.