The Direct Aid Program (DAP) for China is accepting applications until close of business on 2 November 2023.
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.
The Australian Embassy is looking to fund small-scale, high-value projects that will be completed by 30 June 2024. The maximum funding allocation per project is AU$60,000.
The DAP will fund projects by individuals, community groups, non-government organisations, the private sector and not-for profit organisations.
Funding priorities
Projects in the following sectors will be prioritised:
- Health
- Stability including governance, disaster resilience and empowering people with a disability
- Economic recovery, including food security, poverty alleviation and rural development
- Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment
- Environmental protection and climate change
DAP projects must deliver tangible humanitarian or developmental benefits to identified beneficiaries. 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, will be prioritised.
DAP recipients should be reputable, with the 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. All applicants must comply with local laws and regulations while implementing projects supported with DAP funding. Australian Embassy or Consulate staff may conduct monitoring visits to the project site.
Selected applications should be able to enhance the public diplomacy and economic diplomacy goals of the Australian Embassy in Beijing or Australia’s other Consulates in China. 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;
- projects that do not comply with local laws and regulations and
- direct support for governments.
Application process
Applications for DAP funding can be submitted online here. Applications can be submitted in either English or Chinese.
DAP projects are managed through an online grant management system, SmartyGrants.
You can refer to the Applicant FAQs and the Help Guide for Applicants for issues your account, password or submissions.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be directly advised of the selection outcome.
Contact the Australian Embassy for more information.