Direct Aid Program - Australian High Commission

Australian High Commission

India

High Commission address: 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 - Telephone: 4139 9900 - Fax: 4149 4490

Direct Aid Program (DAP)

Applications are currently open and will close on 24 May 2013.

DAP Application Form 2013-2014

What is the Direct Aid Program?

Through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Australian Consulates in Chennai and Mumbai support small-scale, sustainable grassroots development projects in India and Bhutan with grants of up to 10 lakh INR or BTN equivalent.

DAP provides support for activities that alleviate poverty and achieve development outcomes. There is a particular focus on addressing the needs of women, children, and other disadvantaged groups.

Since 2001, DAP has funded over 130 projects in India and Bhutan, distributing total funding of more than 1.2 million Australian dollars (approximately 6.6 crore rupees).

Examples of projects funded by DAP in the past included building and restoring school facilities, building toilet and sanitation facilities, installing solar lighting, purchasing Braille machines and providing health care services.

CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE
Who is eligible to apply?
DAP funding is available to individuals, community groups, international or Australian NGOs, academic institutions, research bodies, libraries, museums or other organisations engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis.
All Indian-based organisations must have current Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) approval. Information about obtaining FCRA approval can be found here.

What funds are available?
We prefer to fund projects up to 10 lakh Indian Rupees. The upper limit of DAP funding for any one proposal is AUD$30,000 (approximately 16 lakh INR) which will only be awarded in very rare circumstances.

Partner organisations must meet some of the project costs with their own funds or in-kind support.

No additional funds will be provided for the same project.

Organisations should not expect to receive recurring funding, but may apply for funding for different projects in subsequent years.

How long can the project run for?
DAP is a one-time grant for a project which takes less than 12 months to implement.

What can DAP funds be used for?
We prefer to provide funding for capital goods rather than awareness raising or training programs, although we will also consider well targeted and well designed vocational and literacy programs.

Funds can be used for:
- community health (such as purchase of equipment or provision of services)
- education programs (such purchase of books or school equipment, including Braille machines)
- small-scale infrastructure (such as building wells, irrigation facilities, latrines or water purification facilities)
- environmental programs with a development aim (for example solar lighting, water harvesting)
- preservation of culture with a developmental link
- sporting programs with a developmental link
- in exceptional circumstances, skills transfer through conferences or training workshops

Our target beneficiaries are:

- women
- children and youth
- people living with disabilities
- the rural and urban poor

What DAP funds cannot be used for?

DAP funds cannot be used to fund micro credit schemes or any project that involves the return of money by beneficiaries.
We do not encourage organisations to apply for funding to cover salary or administrative costs for the program. We cannot cover general organisation administrative costs such as electricity bills or office rental.

The funds can only be utilised for purposes for which they are provided and agreed. Any major changes must be submitted to the DAP Committee for re-approval. Unused funds must be returned at the end of the project.

How can we apply?
You must submit your application in writing to the Australian High Commission or relevant Consulate, answering all the questions on the application form.

Should you be successful, you will be required to keep full financial records of all expenditure (including receipts), submit a progress report not more than six months after receiving your funding and submit a full financial report on completion of the project.

If the proposal is approved by the Australian High Commission or Consulate, a contract will be signed specifying the terms and conditions.

How long will it take to get an answer?
Please allow four months for your application to be processed. The relevant DAP Committee will inform all applicants of their final decision.

Other important information:
Your application will be highly regarded if:
• It uses the correct application form (available here)
• Clearly explains the objectives of the project
• Provides a clear, itemised budget of realistic costs
• Clearly sets out who will benefit from the project
• Is accompanied by contact details (including e-mail addresses) of referees and previous donors who can speak positively and knowledgably about your organisation.

The project should be identifiable as being sponsored by the Australian Government – you must let us know how you intend to meet this requirement. A small amount of funding may be requested to help badge your program as Australian funded i.e. by erecting a plaque, using stickers, or stamping books as donated by the Australian Government.

Building or construction related projects should meet or exceed Australian standards. Asbestos must not be used as a building or construction material.

Where should I send my application?

Hardcopy applications for projects in Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu should be directed to the Australian Consulate in Chennai:
Chairperson, Direct Aid Program
Australian Consulate
9th Floor, Express Chambers
Express Avenue Estate
Whites Road
Royapettah
Chennai 600014

Inquiries: chennaiDAP@dfat.gov.au

Hardcopy applications for projects in Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra should be directed to the Australian Consulate in Mumbai:
Chairperson, Direct Aid Program
Australian Consulate
Level 10, A Wing
Crescenzo Building
Opp MCA Cricket Club
G Block, Plot C 38-39
Bandra Kurla Complex
Mumbai 400 051

Inquiries: MumbaiDAP@dfat.gov.au

All other hardcopy applications and inquiries should be directed to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi:
Chairperson, Direct Aid Program
Australian High Commission
1/50 - G, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 21
P.O. Box 5210
New Delhi 110021

Inquiries: NewDelhiDAP@dfat.gov.au