Australian Embassy
Egypt
Also accredited to Eritrea and Sudan

Development cooperation

Development Cooperation

DIRECT AID PROGRAM

The Australian Embassy in Egypt runs a small grants program called the Direct Aid Program (DAP) funded from Australia’s aid budget.

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 (organisations 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.

Applications for the DAP 2024-25 grant round are now closed.

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). 

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. We will favourably consider projects:

  • that support gender equality, social inclusion and the protection of minority rights
  • where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash
  • that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
  • that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes
  • that provide educational or occupational/skills training

What will we be looking out for in your applications?

  • detailed, realistic explanation of project activities with finite 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

We will generally NOT fund the following:

  • cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
  • commercial ventures
  • purchase of major assets, eg vehicles
  • Australian or overseas study tours
  • international travel
  • sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
  • staff salaries
  • routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance

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 be unable to provide individual feedback.