Direct Aid Program (DAP) – Mumbai
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) provides small grants for activities that support development and strengthen communities in India. Over the past decade, DAP has built linkages and fostered relationships between Australia and these communities.
The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai supports small-scale, sustainable development projects in Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Our grants typically range up to AUD 20,000 / INR 10 lakhs. The Australian Consulate-General supported six projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra in 2022-2023. Below are examples of past projects funded through our DAP program.
Swades Foundation (Maharashtra)
Swades Foundation will improve access to WASH facilities and solar power in rural schools located in Raigad district. Through this project, the schools will provide safe and conducive learning environments for students, which will reduce dropout rates particularly for adolescent girls.
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (Gujarat)
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India will empower underprivileged women in the Dangs area through the establishment of bamboo treatment enterprises and associated training. The project will enable women to be economically independent by earning sustainable incomes.
What sort of projects do we fund?
We welcome high quality applications that support development and strengthen communities in Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra across all sectors. While we seek a diversity of projects, this year we are focused on projects that will support development through:
- Women and girls' empowerment
- WASH
- Sustainability
- Rural development
- Disability inclusion
- Education
- LGBTQI+ equality and inclusion
Regardless of the type of project, all applicants should consider the impact of the project on women, children or other disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities. Projects should be self-sustainable beyond the term of the grant.
Who is eligible to apply?
DAP funding is available to NGOs and academic institutions engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis. In order to receive a DAP grant in India, all organisations must have current Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) approval.
What funds are available and how can they be used?
Grants are typically provided up to AUD 20,000 / INR 10 lakhs. The majority of grant funding must be used to cover the direct project expenses. Funding cannot be used to directly fund:
- micro credit schemes
- salaries
- recurring costs (including office rental and utility costs)
- routine maintenance
- repairs (including equipment such as computers, stoves, fridges etc.)
- travel
- purchase of major assets such as property or vehicles and commercial ventures
The project proposal must also follow the regulations set out by the FCRA.
Ten percent of the proposed budget should be dedicated towards activities that generate public awareness about the project. A maximum of five per cent of the grant can be allocated to administrative expenses (such as printing of material) required to deliver the project.
Grant funding can only be utilised for purposes agreed upon by the recipient and the Australian Consulate-General. If your project changes as it is implemented, approval for the reallocation of funding must be sought from the Australian Consulate-General prior to the expenditure. Any unspent funds at completion of the project must be returned to the Australian Consulate-General.
Funding recipients must meet some of the project costs from their own funds or in-kind support.
Expectations for accountability, transparency and reporting
We require a high degree of transparency and accountability in all projects. Project proposals must demonstrate that the risk of wastage, administration costs and other costs not delivering direct benefit to the target community will be minimised.
Should your project be successful, you will be required to:
- sign an agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the grant
- keep full financial records of all expenditure, including receipts
- submit a progress report within six months of receiving your funding
- submit a final report at the project’s completion
- allow and facilitate a visit by Australian Consulate-General representatives to the project site
- acknowledge the receipt of the Australian Funds
- acknowledge the support of the Australian Government
How can we apply?
The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai's 2023-2024 Direct Aid Program round is open till 6 November 2023. Please use the following link to submit the concept note:
Mumbai Direct Aid Program 2023-2024 - Direct Aid Program (smartygrants.com.au)
How will I find out if my project proposal is successful?
All successful applications will be notified via e-mail. Applications that are not successful will be notified via email, and while we are unable to elaborate on the reasons for rejection, we encourage our applicants to read the funding guidelines available on our website and re-apply the following year.