Australian High Commission
Mauritius
Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, Reunion Island (consular)

Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2024-2025 Call for Application

DIRECT AID PROGRAM Guidelines 2024-2025

Mauritius | Madagascar | Comoros

What is the Direct Aid Program?

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small-grants scheme funded by Australia’s aid budget. It aims to support non-profit organisations working in local communities on activities that achieve sustainable and inclusive development.

Who can apply ?

DAP funds are available on a not-for-profit basis to registered community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in Mauritius (including Rodrigues), Comoros and Madagascar. We welcome projects with a regional dimension. Regional projects including Seychelles (currently not eligible for overseas development assistance) may be considered if there are other funding sources for Seychelles.

What activities are eligible for DAP support?

DAP activities are aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. Projects that might act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or a model for similar developments elsewhere will be welcomed. Proposals that have a disability focus are encouraged.

The maximum amount for each grant is AUD60,000 (or the USD equivalent) and projects should be completed within one year from the date of entering into the grant agreement.

NOTE: Based on strong justifications, a project proposal may be exceptionally considered to be spread over a maximum of two years. Prior approval of the Australian High Commission/Embassy must be sought for any extension of timeframe and other variations on components.

Priority areas for 2024-25 are:

  • Climate, renewable energy, environmental protection and/or promoting biodiversity
  • Governance, education and/or economic empowerment
  • Gender equality, social inclusion and the protection of minority and/or human rights
  • Disaster and/or livelihoods resilience (including food, water and health security)

Applicants may apply for funding for development projects in other thematic areas.

The following activities are NOT eligible for funding under the DAP:

  • Australian or overseas study tours;
  • international travel (except in exceptional cases where it is a small component of overall budget);
  • grants programs run by other governments or organisations;
  • micro-credit schemes and or projects that involve the return of money or loans for cash;
  • permanent staff salaries or related fees;
  • commercial ventures;
  • purchase or rental of major assets including property or land;
  • purchase of vehicles (medical/emergency or farming vehicles may be considered in exceptional cases)
  • routine, recurring and/or running costs of the applying organisation including staff salaries; office rental and utility costs; spare parts; office supplies; routine maintenance and repairs (including of equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges etc.), and office or equipment insurance;
  • administrative costs not directly related to project implementation;
  • commemorative events, sporting tournaments or cultural displays, that do not have clear developmental outcomes; and
  • direct support to governments.

NOTE: Projects which include ineligible components can be considered only if the proposal clearly states how these components will be funded by other sources.

How do I apply?

The application form should be completed online via the SmartyGrants platform at:

Your application should:

  • comply with guidelines above
  • clearly articulate the positive change and impact that would occur following project implementation
  • include an itemised and fully costed project budget
  • include two referees – these can not be from the applicant organisation or from an organisation which stands to gain from the proposed project
  • show with the help of a timeline or work plan that the project will be completed within one year.

Proposals should demonstrate a commitment on the part of beneficiaries to implement the activities and maintain them beyond the conclusion of the project.

Applications for this round must be received no later than 23:59 hours MUT (GMT+4) on Monday 14 October 2024.

All queries should be directed to the DAP Program Officer via email to [email protected].

Selection process

DAP projects are selected through a competitive process and in assessing applicants, the High Commission will consider the experience and track record of the applicant organisation, as well as the nature of the project. The High Commission reserves the right to request budget adjustments where necessary.

Preference is given to projects that:

  • show tangible and practical development outcomes and have involved beneficiaries/local communities in identifying, designing and managing the project
  • are innovative and creative
  • comply with local laws and have the demonstrated support of local authorities, including traditional leaders, district councils/assemblies and local governments
  • pay special attention to youth, disability and gender issues; and other disadvantaged groups
  • are sustainable.

Important Notes:

  • All successful DAP projects must be publicly identified as sponsored by the Australian Government. Badging may include physical signage at project sites branding on communication materials.
  • DAP recipients must facilitate visits from High Commission staff to inspect the project and must submit all the acquittals with receipts within four (4) weeks of the completion of the project.
  • Fraud will be dealt with seriously. Applicants must not, and must ensure employees, agents, representatives, partners, subcontractors and volunteers, do not engage in any fraudulent activity. Applicants are responsible for preventing and detecting fraudulent activity. Should applicants become aware of any fraudulent activity involving any activities funded in whole or in part by DAP funds, this must be reported to the High Commission immediately.  See Fraud and Corruption Control in DFAT.
  • DAP building and construction related projects should meet or exceed Australian or World Health Organisation (WHO) standards wherever reasonably practicable to do so. Departure from Australian WHS standards on the basis that meeting such standards is not “reasonably practicable” should only be accepted where it is defensible to do so, supported by a clear, persuasive, and documented explanation.
  • In such cases, the project should meet the highest standard that is reasonably practicable, with hazard mitigation measures supported by a hazard identification and risk assessment report identifying the residual risks of injury and illness to any workers or third parties, and proposed mitigation strategy. DAP does not allow the use of asbestos as a building material.
  • If the project involves working with children, the organisation must have a current child protection policy or code of conduct (or create one and the High Commission can help you with this if the project is retained) to be eligible. For more information see: DFAT Child Protection Policy
  • Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that no support or resources are provided to any entity subject to sanctions (by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government). For more information see: Sanctions | Security Council
  • Recipients of DAP funding are responsible for undertaking the due diligence checks to ensure the persons or entities connected with your proposed activity are not subject to targeted financial sanctions. Please refer to DFAT’s Consolidated List of all persons and entities who are subject to targeted financial sanctions under Australian sanctions law
  • Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that the work conducted in relation to this project is undertaken in a safe manner and complies with all applicable local laws, standards and policies that relate to health and safety. 

Only successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection exercise.