The Mumbai Direct Aid Programme – Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs. It aims to support projects that have a direct and tangible impact on the lives of individuals and communities in developing countries. Last date 6 November 2023.
Mumbai Direct Aid Programme: Through the DAP, the Australian Government provides funding to non-governmental organizations, community groups, and individuals to implement projects that address local development priorities. These projects can range from infrastructure development and capacity building to education and healthcare initiatives.
One of the key features of the DAP is its focus on grassroots initiatives. It aims to empower local communities and enable them to take ownership of their own development. By supporting projects that are driven by the needs and aspirations of the community, the DAP ensures that the assistance provided is relevant, sustainable, and impactful.
The DAP also promotes partnerships and collaboration between Australian organizations and their counterparts in developing countries. It encourages the sharing of knowledge, skills, and resources to achieve common development goals.
The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai supports small-scale, sustainable development projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, with grants typically up to INR 10 lakh.
What activities are eligible for DAP Support?
DAP activities should achieve 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:
• 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;
• that use sports to achieve development outcomes
• that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
• that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes
• that provide educational or occupational/skills training
While we always seek a diversity of projects, this year we are especially looking for projects that will support development through:
• COVID relief and other areas impacted by the pandemic (such as livelihoods, education and health)
• Health
• WASH or water management
• Education or skills training
• Empowerment of women and girls
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. Activities may run up to a maximum of two years. Most projects run for 1 year.
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
• Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear
developmental benefit
• staff salaries
• travel, accommodation, and food and beverages costs for staff members
• routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance
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
Expectations for accountability, transparency and reporting
Should your project be successful, you will be required to:
• sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the grant
• keep full financial records of all expenditure, including receipts
• submit a progress report within six months of receiving your funding
• submit a final report at the project’s completion
• allow and facilitate a visit by the representatives of the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai to the project site
If your project changes as it is implemented, approval for the reallocation of funding must be sought from the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai. Any unspent funds at the completion of the project must be returned to the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai.
Instructions: This form is to be completed by the applicant online. All applications must be accompanied by a fully costed project budget that provides a detailed breakdown of costs by component.
Please note that 10% of the budget must be dedicated towards activities that
generate public awareness about the project.
This application form should be read in conjunction with information on the Direct Aid Program available at – https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/pages/ direct-aid-program
If the project involves working with children, the organisation must have a current child protection policy or code of conduct to be eligible. For information on child protection policy, see https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/child-protection/Pages/childprotection
For more information and to down load the pdf visit: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/DAP2023_2024
Other grants: Community Action Grants: Funding Opportunities for Education and Equity (ngoportal.org)