Australian Consulate-General
Mumbai, India

Direct Aid Program (DAP)

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 28,000 / INR 15 lakhs. The Australian Consulate-General supported six projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra in 2024-2025. Below are examples of past projects funded through our DAP program. 

Go Sports (Gujarat and Maharashtra)  

Go Sports will develop the capacity of eight emerging able-bodied and para-athletes through training, sport science, equipment, and competitive exposure. The program will enable access, participation, and equal opportunities for underrepresented athletes at advanced levels of competition.   

BAIF Livelihoods (Maharashtra) 

BAIF Livelihoods will set-up infrastructure and upskill farmers, particularly women, from ten villages of Wardha region. The project will increase agricultural productivity and climate resilience while improving nutrition and livelihoods of the farmers.  

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: 

  • Skilling and education 
  • Agriculture
  • Diversity, equality, and inclusion (including women and girls’ empowerment, disability, and LGBTQI+ inclusion) 
  • Sports for development
  • WASH  

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 range up to AUD 28,000 / INR 15 lakhs. The majority of the 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 2025-2026 Direct Aid Program round is open till  31 August 2025. Please use the following link to submit the concept note: 

https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/DAP2025_2026

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.