The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants program funded by the Australian Government, available to non-government organizations and community groups engaged in development projects.
DAP supports projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia’s broader aid program, which contributes to sustainable economic growth and improved living conditions.
Interested applicants can apply at: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/PalauDAP2026
Who can apply?
DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to community groups, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other entities engaged in small scale development projects, such as religious groups and schools.
What projects are eligible for DAP support?
DAP is able to fund projects that have a direct, practical and immediate impact.
Favourable consideration will be provided to projects:
- in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, health and disability, sport, youth, human rights, the environment, small scale infrastructure, economic empowerment, agriculture and ad hoc humanitarian relief;
- where applicants and/or communities make a contribution in labour materials, transport or cash;
- pursue innovative approaches, projects and partners;
- that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes; and/or
- that provide educational or occupational/skills training and have a clear plan for measuring the success of training.
Projects that would generally NOT be funded include:
- micro credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money;
- commercial ventures;
- purchase or rental of property or land;
- routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance purchase of major assets eg vehicles, boats, computers, air conditioning units etc;
- staff salaries;
- Australian or overseas study tours;
- international travel;
- sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit; and
- Projects should be well-defined and have a clear start and end date. Projects where the applicant or community contributes labour, materials, or funding are strongly encouraged and viewed favourably.
- Funding limit of grants is USD 40,000.00
- DAP projects should be designed to benefit the whole community and must always respect human rights and gender equity as well as being environmentally sound.
Assessment
Proposals will be assessed by the DAP Committee on the basis of:
- conformity with the objectives and guidelines of the DAP
- the costs and developmental benefits of the application
- the appropriateness of the expenditure proposed
- achievable and sustainable outcomes
- soundness of the project’s objectives and design
Project Implementation
All projects should be completed ideally within a year of receiving funds. Funded projects must proceed expeditiously. Where the commencement of a project is delayed by more than three months, the Australian Embassy may, at its discretion, require the return of the entire amount of the DAP grant.
Interim Progress Report
For projects lasting longer than 6 months, an interim progress report is due to the Australian Embassy, six months after the funding contract is signed. The purpose of the report is to provide the Australian Embassy an update of the implementation and progress of the project.
Acquittal Procedure
Acquittal Reports must:
- acquit all DAP funds provided
- demonstrate the project’s progress and benefits
- conform with the format provided
- comply with deadlines in the DAP contract
- return any unspent funds to the Australian Embassy
- provide copies of ALL receipts
Application Procedure
- Read these DAP Guidelines to ensure that your application meets funding eligibility.
- Complete the application form online, refer below for further details.
- Include an itemized budget and quotations for goods and services.
- For proposals of a technical nature, attach an appraisal from a technically qualified authority.
- All questions must be answered, or the proposal will not be considered for funding.
Any questions, please contact the Australian Embassy in Koror by phone +680-488-4628 or by email, [email protected]
Instructions: Online Application
All applications must be accompanied by a fully costed project budget.
Notes:
- Major construction projects are not eligible for DAP funding. Minor construction works may be eligible and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the scale, complexity, risks, and proposed mitigation measures.
- If the project involves working with children, the organisation must have a current child protection policy or code of conduct to be eligible. See Attachment A for an example Child Protection Code of Conduct.
- Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that no support or resources are provided to any entity subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council or the Australian Government.
- Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that the work conducted in relation to this project is undertaken in a safe manner and complies with all applicable local laws, standards and policies that relate to health and safety.
How To Apply
Interested applicants can apply at the link listed below: