Direct Aid Program
The 2019-2020 Direct Aid Program (DAP) for China is now open for applications. Applications will be accepted until close of business on 8 November 2019.
Incomplete applications and those received after 8 November 2019 will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be advised in writing of the selection outcome.
DAP is a competitive, flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government with the primary aim of reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development outcomes.
2019-2020 DAP plans to fund 3-5 high-quality projects in China. Applications for funding can be up to AU$48,000 per project. The Australian Embassy is looking to fund small-scale, high-value projects that will be completed by 30 June 2020.
The DAP will fund projects by individuals, community groups, non-government organisations, the private sector and not-for profit organisations.
If you are interested in applying for DAP funding, please download a DAP Application Form here. Applications can be submitted in either English or Chinese.
A Project Assessment Form will be used to assess DAP applications. Applicants are encouraged to use this form as a guide in preparing their applications. A Project Assessment Form can be downloaded here.
In order to receive funding under the DAP, Australian Embassy or consulate staff must be able to conduct monitoring visits to the project site.
Contact the DAP Committee [email protected] of the Australian Embassy in Beijing for more information.
Funding priorities
The DAP Committee receives and assesses projects which are then submitted to the Ambassador for approval.
Projects in the following sectors will be prioritized:
· education and health;
· poverty alleviation and rural development;
· Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The DAP Committee will prioritise projects that work with China’s most vulnerable groups, including those living in poverty, those who are socially excluded, minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities, women and children.
DAP recipients should be reputable, with demonstrated capacity to deliver projects and must be registered to operate in China. Foreign NGOs must already either be registered or have temporary registration for the proposed project.
Selected applications should be able to enhance the public diplomacy and economic diplomacy goals of the Australian Embassy in Beijing or other China Posts. These include building awareness and understanding of Australia’s deep and broad engagement with China and promoting Australia’s development credentials.
The following activities and inputs are not eligible for DAP funding:
- grants programs run by other governments;
- micro-credit schemes or any other projects that involve return of money or loans for cash;
- salary of permanent staff of implementing organisation;
- administrative costs not directly related to project implementation;
- purchase or rental of property or land;
- purchase of vehicles;
- routine, recurring and/or running costs including: office rent, electricity, water, phone, internet, etc.; routine maintenance and repairs (including of equipment such as photocopiers, computers, stoves, fridges etc.); and office or equipment insurance;
- commercial ventures; and
- direct support for governments.