RFAs: Direct Aid Program Community Grants (Papua New Guinea)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) Community Grants supports locally led projects in Papua New Guinea that address community-identified development priorities and deliver practical, sustainable benefits. Funding can support initiatives in areas such as education, health, livelihoods, agriculture, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, environmental protection, WASH, and community capacity building.

About the Direct Aid Program Community Grants

The Direct Aid Program Community Grants are funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The program focuses on community-led development and supports activities designed around locally identified needs. Rather than funding large-scale development programs, the grants are intended to help communities implement practical projects that can produce measurable and sustainable outcomes. The program aims to strengthen community wellbeing while helping local organizations and groups develop their own capacity to address development challenges. Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for the people they serve and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development.

Key objectives include:

Improving community wellbeing. Strengthening local capacity. Supporting inclusive economic development. Increasing community resilience to climate and disaster risks. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects addressing important community development needs.

Priority areas may include:

Education Projects can improve educational opportunities, skills development, training, and access to learning resources. Health Initiatives may address community health needs and improve access to health-related services and information. Economic Development and Livelihoods Projects can support income generation, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and sustainable livelihoods. Agriculture and Rural Development Support may be directed toward initiatives that strengthen agricultural livelihoods and improve rural community development. Gender Equality Projects should help address barriers faced by women and girls and promote equal participation and opportunities. Disability Equity and Social Inclusion Activities can promote the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities and other underserved groups. Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction Projects may help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related and natural hazards. Environmental Protection Initiatives can address environmental conservation, sustainable resource use, and community-based environmental management. Community Empowerment and Capacity Building Projects may strengthen local organizations, leadership, community participation, and practical skills. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH initiatives can help communities improve access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants can include:

Locally registered non-government organizations in Papua New Guinea. Community-based organizations. Academic and educational institutions. Sporting organizations. Religious organizations. Individuals acting on behalf of a community or group for a development-related purpose. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection to the community they intend to serve and show how the proposed activity responds to an identified local need. The budget should directly correspond to project activities. Avoid including prohibited costs or expenses that are primarily organizational overheads. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive proposal should demonstrate: A clearly identified community need. Strong local ownership. Practical and achievable activities. Clearly defined beneficiaries. Measurable development outcomes. Inclusive participation. Environmental or social sustainability where relevant. Strong community capacity-building elements. A realistic and transparent budget. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing projects without evidence of community need. Designing activities primarily for organizational benefit. Including commercial activities. Requesting funding for routine operational expenses. Including major asset purchases. Including international travel. Failing to explain how beneficiaries will benefit. Providing vague or difficult-to-measure outcomes. Ignoring gender, disability, or social inclusion considerations where relevant. Failing to explain how project benefits will continue after funding ends. Key Details at a Glance

Program: Direct Aid Program Community Grants

Country: Papua New Guinea

Funder: Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Approach: Locally led community development

Eligible applicants: Local NGOs, community organizations, academic and educational institutions, sporting and religious organizations, and eligible individuals acting on behalf of communities or groups What is the Direct Aid Program Community Grants program? The Direct Aid Program Community Grants program supports locally led development projects in Papua New Guinea that respond to community-identified needs and produce practical, sustainable benefits. Who can apply for the Direct Aid Program Community Grants? Eligible applicants include locally registered NGOs, community-based organizations, academic and educational institutions, sporting and religious organizations, and eligible individuals representing a community or group for a development purpose. What types of projects are prioritized? Priority areas include education, health, livelihoods, agriculture and rural development, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, environmental protection, community empowerment, and water, sanitation and hygiene. Can private businesses apply? No. Private businesses are not eligible for funding under the program, and grants cannot be used for commercial ventures. Can the grant fund o