Call for Applications: Direct Aid Program 2026–2027 (India)

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2026–27 provides grants of up to AUD 60,000 to non-profit organisations for practical projects that promote sustainable and inclusive community development. Priority areas include climate resilience, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, food security, the blue economy, marine biodiversity, human rights, and gender equality. What Is the Direct Aid Program? The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small-grants initiative funded through Australia’s international aid budget and administered by the Australian High Commission in Mauritius. The programme supports non-profit organisations implementing community-level projects that deliver sustainable, inclusive and measurable development outcomes. For the 2026–27 funding cycle, the programme focuses on projects that respond to environmental, economic and social challenges while creating practical benefits for local communities. What Are the Priority Areas? Applications should align with one or more of the programme’s priority themes. Projects should focus on development outcomes rather than organisational needs. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing routine organisational activities. Requesting permanent staff salaries. Including commercial ventures. Relying heavily on international travel. Proposing study tours. Including major asset purchases without clear project justification. Designing micro-credit schemes. Providing direct support to governments. Failing to explain the community need. Setting outcomes that cannot be measured within one year. Direct Aid Program 2026–27 at a Glance

Programme: Direct Aid Program (DAP)

Funding cycle: 2026–27

Administered by: Australian High Commission in Mauritius

Applicant type: Non-profit organisations

Maximum grant: AUD 60,000 or USD equivalent

Project duration: One year from grant agreement

Priority areas: Climate, disaster resilience, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, food security, blue economy, marine biodiversity, human rights and gender equality

Focus: Sustainable and inclusive community development

Preferred projects: Practical, high-impact, sustainable and replicable initiatives

International travel: Generally not eligible

Permanent staff salaries: Not eligible

Commercial ventures: Not eligible

Routine organisational costs: Not eligible

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Direct Aid Program? The Direct Aid Program is an Australian Government small-grants initiative supporting non-profit organisations to deliver sustainable and inclusive development projects at the community level. How much funding can an organisation receive? The maximum available grant is AUD 60,000, or the equivalent amount in USD. What are the main DAP 2026–27 priority areas? The priorities are climate and disaster resilience, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and food security, blue economy and marine biodiversity, and human rights and gender equality. How long can a DAP project last? Funded projects must be completed within one year from the date the grant agreement is entered into. Can funding be used for permanent staff salaries? No. Permanent staff salaries are among the activities and costs that are not eligible for DAP funding. Does DAP fund international travel? Most international travel is not eligible. Study tours are also specifically excluded. What type of project is likely to be competitive? Projects that address a clearly identified community need and deliver practical, measurable and high-impact outcomes are well aligned with the programme. Projects that can catalyse additional community development or be replicated elsewhere are particularly encouraged. Conclusion The Direct Aid Program 2026–27 provides an opportunity for non-profit organisations to implement practical community development initiatives with grants of up to AUD 60,000. The strongest proposals should demonstrate a clear local need, strong alignment with the programme’s priority areas, measurable outcomes, community participation and long-term sustainability. Applicants should also ensure that proposed costs are eligible and that the entire project can be completed within the required one-year timeframe.