Australian Embassy
Egypt
Also accredited to Eritrea and Sudan

Development cooperation

Development Cooperation

DIRECT AID PROGRAM

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) funded from Australia’s aid budget, is a small grants program run by The Australian Embassy in Egypt each year.

DAP funding is available to 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. The Australian Embassy in Egypt administers DAP funding for projects taking place in Egypt (NGOs in Egypt must be registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity), Sudan and Eritrea. DAP grant rounds are typically open for applications in August/September each year.

DAP projects can run for up to two years.

Applications for the DAP 2025-26 grant round will be open from 10 August 2025 at 8:00 AM (EET) to 10 September 2025 at 4:00 PM (EET), please apply here: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/DAPCairo2526

Who can apply?

DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA). 

DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical, direct and tangible outcomes. DAP projects can cover a range of sectors including education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women's empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, economic livelihoods, food security and human rights.

What will we be looking out for in your applications?

  • detailed, realistic explanation of project purpose and activities with clear timelines
  • accurate budgets including all costs associated with the project's activities
  • further breakdown of costs on budget items and explanation for any recurrent costs and how they will be funded through other sources
  • evidence of the history of the organisation and any past projects
  • If your project involves minors, a child protection policy must be provided

We will generally NOT fund projects that have the below criteria as the main objective / key focus:

  • support commercial ventures / purposes
  • support salaries, rental of land, vehicles or assets
  • sponsoring a major sporting tournament
  • are run by other governments
  • has the primary purpose of promoting Australian interests.

The DAP application form should be read in conjunction with information on the Direct Aid Program available at:  https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/direct-aid-program/pages/direct-aid-program.

Please note the DAP program is competitive. Due to the volume of applications, the Embassy will not be able to provide individual feedback.