Australian Embassy
The Philippines

Direct Aid Program

2024 Direct Aid Program (DAP) Call for Proposals

The Direct Aid Program is a flexible small grants scheme funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines. The Embassy is pleased to announce a call for proposals for DAP for the 2023-24 financial year. 

The online application round is accessible at https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Manila2023. Interested applicants need to log in to the system and register to complete and submit an application. The round will close on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

 

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 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.

 

Who can Apply?

The DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to NGOs and community organisations engaged in

development activities in the Philippines that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA) and primarily managed by Filipinos and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), or the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Priority Sectors

The proposed project/activities should prioritise the participation and respond to the needs of the

of the following sectors:

  • disadvantaged children and women
  • people with disabilities
  • indigenous peoples
  • the elderly
  • displaced peoples due to conflict and natural calamities
  • members of the LGBTQI community
  • the poorest and/or most vulnerable groups, and,
  • the environment / climate change

 

Amount and Timeline

DAP provides grants of up to PhP1 million per approved project with a 6–12-month implementation period. Approved projects are expected to commence implementation immediately.

 

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving immediate practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. In the Philippines, DAP will continue to support activities that align with Australia and Philippine government objectives to promote prosperity, stability, and resilience. It will prioritise the following activities for funding:

  • promoting climate change and disaster resilience including adoption of innovative

solutions and equitable use of renewable resources for community-based water,

irrigation, and energy systems

  • income generation and sustainable livelihoods to help marginalised groups, especially disadvantaged women, to participate in economic activities
  • provision of community learning facilities and educational or occupational/skills training
  • promoting access of vulnerable groups to nutritious, safe, and sustainable food supply
  • provision of community water and sanitation facilities to promote hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks
  • sporting activities to promote youth development, particularly empowering girls and women
  • environmental / biodiversity conservation.

Initiatives that address gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, as well as those that promote locally-led solutions/innovations to development challenges area most welcome.

The DAP will also strongly support projects that address cross-sectoral needs and those that meet multi-sectoral/thematic objectives.

 

How are projects selected for funding?

Successful proposals must meet the following criteria:

  • have a development focus and benefit the local community. Priority is given to innovative and creative projects that catalyse further development in the community.
  • directly meet specific needs of vulnerable groups.
  • have achievable, practical, and tangible results by the end of the implementation period that are sustainable.
  • there is a commitment on the part of the local community to support the project and sustain them.
  • proponent and partner communities provide substantial counterpart contribution/resources, either in the form of labour, technical support, administrative cost, materials, existing assets, or cash. There should be evidence of capacity to sustain recurrent costs associated with the project during implementation and beyond.
  • appropriate institutional arrangements are in place through the proponent organisation, partner community/people’s organisation, and partnership with the local government and the private sector.
  • proponent can demonstrate that it can provide reliable project reports in a timely manner, and integrate gender, child protection, social inclusion, and environmentally sound practices in project implementation.

 

What items are not eligible for funding?

Generally, the following items are not funded:

  • salaries of permanent staff of the implementing organisation
  • fees for consultants and advisors, where they constitute a major cost component
  • grant programs run by other government organisations
  • micro-credit schemes or any other project that involves return of money or loans for cash
  • administrative costs not directly related to project implementation
  • international travel as part of the project
  • Australian or overseas study tours
  • purchase or rental of property or land
  • purchase of vehicles
  • routine, recurring, and/or running costs including office rent, electricity, water, phone/internet subscriptions
  • routine maintenance and repairs (including equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges, etc)
  • commercial/for profit ventures
  • sponsorships of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit

 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Please complete and submit your online proposal via SmartyGrants at https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Manila2023 no later than Wednesday 31 January 2024 (Philippine time).

For queries about the guidelines, deadline, or questions in the form, please email [email protected]. You may also call +63 2 7757 8262 during business hours.

Please note the DAP will only contact shortlisted organisations for further information, if necessary. Also, the DAP will notify applicants of the outcome of the application round but will not provide feedback on individual application.

 

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