The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded from Australia's aid budget. It sits alongside Australia's longer-term country and multilateral development strategies and with its wide geographical reach, plays an important role in supporting local community efforts towards poverty reduction and sustainable development across the globe. Read more about the program principles here.
Applications for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2026-27 project cycle will open at 09:00 (PKT) on 8 October 2026 and will close by 17:00 (PKT) on 16 November 2026.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What activities are eligible for DAP Support?
DAP project activities must support improved development outcomes for local communities. The eligibility of DAP projects will be assessed individually, consistent with the below assessment criteria and consideration of Australian Government priorities.
Priority thematic areas for 2026-27 DAP projects include, but are not limited to, gender equality, climate change, human rights and governance.
Funding is available on a not-for-profit basis, where the proposed activity is eligible to receive Overseas Development Funding (ODA). DAP adheres to the OECD definition of ODA eligibility;
… where the objective is the promotion of the economic development and welfare of the community or country in an ODA eligible country.
Who can apply for DAP funding?
Local community groups and community-based organisations, NGOs and INGOs, international and multilateral organisations, educational institutions, research organisations and other entities registered in Pakistan may be eligible to apply.
There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD 60,000 over the life of the project. Projects of a lower value (up to AUD 40,000) are highly encouraged. DAP partners are encouraged to contribute to at least 25 per cent of the total project cost. Activities can run up to a maximum of two years.
DAP cannot fund activities with the following primary purpose:
- supporting commercial ventures/purposes: for example funding activities aimed at making profit such as cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money;
- supporting ongoing operational costs: for example salaries, utilities, rental of land purchase and/or operation cost of vehicles; and
- supporting major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit.
How will applications be assessed?
The DAP Committee will assess the applications against the following criteria:
- the applicant is a registered organisation, and has appropriate risk and safeguards management practices;
- alignment with the Australian High Commission’s strategic interests and priorities;
- the project builds enduring partnerships through targeted initiatives;
- there is a clear explanation of the logical pathway between the identified problem, proposed activity and intended development/community outcome, and how these results will contribute to long-term change;
- the sustainability of the project; and
- the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements within the maximum two-year cycle.
During the application process, the Australian High Commission, Islamabad may ask applicants for additional information.
How can I apply?
Applications for the 2026-27 project cycle are now open! All applications for the 2026-27 cycle must be submitted online at https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Islamabad_2026-27
Applications for this round of DAP projects close on 16 November 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be assessed at this time.
If you have any questions while completing your application, please contact us at [email protected]. Make sure to include your application number in your email subject.