Open Call: Direct Aid Program Small Grants (Iraq)

The Australian Embassy in Iraq invites applications for the Direct Aid Program (DAP), a competitive small grants initiative supporting community-led development projects that deliver practical, immediate benefits to vulnerable groups. The programme funds locally designed and led projects with clear, measurable outcomes, prioritising psychosocial support, disability inclusion, social cohesion, minority rights, and the protection and empowerment of women and children. Applications close at 23:59 (GMT+3) on 19 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Australian Embassy in Iraq

- Opportunity name: Direct Aid Program (DAP)

- Funding type: Competitive small grants

- Eligible applicants: Community-based organisations; local, international and multilateral non-government organisations; educational institutions; research organisations and other not-for-profit entities; government entities (where consistent with DAP objectives and ODA requirements)

- Eligible countries/locations: Iraq (projects and applicants based on eligibility requirements described in the guidelines)

- Funding amount: Up to AUD 100,000 (paid in Iraqi Dinar)

- Minimum grant: No minimum amount

- Project duration: Projects must be completed within 12 months or less

- Application deadline: 23:59 (GMT+3), Monday 19 October 2026

- Application method: Online form via the DAP Smartgrants portal (see “How to Apply”)

About the Opportunity

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) supports community-led development projects intended to produce practical and immediate benefits for vulnerable groups. The programme prioritises projects that are locally designed and led, with clear objectives and measurable results. The Embassy also plans to host online information sessions (webinars) to explain the programme and answer questions:

- 1 October 2026 at 10: 00am Baghdad time (registration required — link not specified in the source)

- 8 October 2026 at 2: 00pm Baghdad time (registration required — link not specified in the source)

Funding and Benefits DAP provides grants of up to AUD 100,000, with payments made in Iraqi Dinar (IQD). There is no minimum grant amount.

Key funding conditions include:

- Project timeline: Must be completed within 12 months.

- Budget currency: Applicants must prepare the application and project budget in IQD.

- Payment currency: If approved, the grant will be paid in IQD.

Who Is Eligible? You can apply if your organisation is one of the following: - Community-based organisations - Local, international and multilateral non-government organisations - Educational institutions - Research organisations and other not-for-profit entities - Government entities, where funding is consistent with DAP objectives and ODA requirements

Eligibility requirements and exclusions stated in the guidelines include

- Not specified in the source: Specific geographic coverage beyond Iraq, organisational registration status beyond the listed checklist item for Iraqi NGOs, and any additional exclusion criteria.

- Sanctions restriction: No DAP funds may be used to support individuals or groups under UN or Australian sanctions.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas DAP funds small-scale, high-impact projects that meet the following criteria: - Locally designed and led - Can be completed within 12 months or less - Deliver clear and measurable benefits to the community Priority will be given to projects that: - Provide or advocate for psychosocial support and disability inclusion initiatives - Promote social cohesion and minority rights - Promote the protection and empowerment of women and children

Examples of eligible activities include:

- Community health and sanitation - Access and improvements to disability services - Provision of essential supplies to vulnerable groups - Community safety and accessibility enhancements What Activities Are NOT Eligible?

DAP does not fund the following:

- Salaries, rent, utilities, or ongoing operational costs - International travel or study tours - Projects that return money to individuals (e.g., microcredit) - Commercial or for-profit ventures - Purchase of major assets (e.g., vehicles) - Activities without a clear development benefit Why This Opportunity Matters DAP is designed for organisations seeking to implement fast, community-focused interventions in Iraq. Because grants are limited to small-scale projects with clear, measurable benefits and a maximum 12-month completion period, applicants should align proposals tightly to practical outcomes for vulnerable groups and the stated priorities around inclusion, social cohesion, and protection of women and children. How to Apply - Review the official DAP application guidelines on the Australian Embassy in Iraq website. - Register and prepare your submission in IQD (Iraqi Dinar), including a fully costed budget and a clear project proposal with goals and expected outcomes. - Submit your application using the online form on the DAP Smartgrants portal (the source provides a “Click here” link, but the exact URL is not specified in the provided text). - Ensure you submit before the deadline: 23:59 (GMT+3), Monday 19 October 2026. Application Checklist (information required)

All applications need to include:

- A clear project proposal with goals and expected outcomes - A fully costed project budget in IQD, including details of other funding sources - Registration certificate (for Iraqi NGOs) - Details of two referees - Child Protection Code of Conduct / Child Protection Policy (where the project involves working with children) Where to apply Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure your budget and application are prepared in IQD (IQD), and that your budget is fully costed and consistent with the proposed project duration. - Avoid ineligible costs listed in the guidelines (such as ongoing operational costs, salaries, or major asset purchases like vehicles). - If your work involves children, include the required Child Protection Code of Conduct/Child Protection Policy