Direct Aid Program (DAP) Guidelines 2015-2016

Objectives

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small, flexible scheme available to non-government organizations, governmental organizations and community groups engaged in development activities.

DAP is primarily aimed at supporting small-scale development projects and activities that are participatory in nature and have involved beneficiaries in their identification, design and management. Eligible activities would normally be implemented over a relatively short period of time and of not more than 1 year.

Grants of up to USD$20,000.are available per project. However, higher levels of funding may be considered in exceptional circumstances. In these instances, the scope and objectives of the project, as well as the requesting organization’s demonstrated history to manage projects and acquit funds, will be considered in making this assessment.

Guidelines

It is essential that DAP projects be oriented towards self-help and be sustainable. Submissions should demonstrate a commitment on the part of the local authorities and/or people who will be the beneficiaries to implement the activities and sustain them.Appropriate institutional support arrangements must be described, eg the level of recurrent costs generated and evidence of the applicant’s capacity to sustain these costs in the longer term. 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.

Funding will be given to projects addressing one or more of the following key sectors:

  • Education (e.g. basic education, teacher training and workshops)
  • Health (e.g. improving access, community preventative health education/campaigns)
  • Women (e.g. skills training for income generation, addressing gender issues)
  • Youth (e.g. training in job and life skills)
  • Minorities and disadvantaged groups (e.g. disability awareness program, life skills training)
  • Environment (e.g. recycling, environmental health awareness)
  • Community development (e.g. training/ organizational strengthening in planning, management, leadership, and project management).

As a general rule, the following costs will not be funded:

  • startup capital funds or loans
  • staffing or sitting fees
  • household effects and personal items
  • fundraising, donations or prizes
  • applications from private individuals
  • items of a recurrent nature (e.g. spare parts, supplies, maintenance & repairs, replacement equipment, gasoline, oil, salaries & wages)
  • major infrastructure (e.g. roads)
  • international or domestic travel, overseas study tours, offshore training or per diem expenses
  • meeting, seminar or conference attendance
  • micro credit loans
  • activities which are for promoting religious or political purposes
  • scholarships
  • purchase of vehicles, trailers and machinery such as tractors, outboard motors and boats
  • construction of major facilities
  • laptops, phones or portable IT equipment

Assessment

Proposals will be assessed on a rolling basis by the DAP Committee on the basis of:

  • conformity with the objectives and guidelines of the DAP program
  • the costs and developmental benefits of the proposal
  • 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 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.

Finances: Once the proposal has been approved and a funding agreement has been signed by the project managers and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Embassy will arrange for funds to be disbursed.

Interim progress report: For projects lasting longer than 6 months, an interim progress report (Attachment 1) 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.

Project Completion: Within 30 days of the completion of the project, a Financial Acquittal and Final Report(Attachment 2) should be submitted to the Australian Embassy. For activities completed within six months after the funding contract is signed, a Final Acquittal Report alone will suffice.

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
  • provide disaggregated gender data on participants

In exceptional circumstances, the Australian Embassy may approve prior written requests to reallocate unspent funds to a related project.

Media

All projects are required to have the Australian Aid logo branding upon completion. Suitable recognition should be given to the Government of Australia for any publicity activity. A short media release (preferably accompanied by a picture) is also required.

Publicity for approved projects must be cleared with the Australian Embassy. Where possible, any media release is to be cleared with the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei before releasing to local media.

Application Procedure

  1. Read theseDAP Guidelines to ensure that your application meets funding qualification.
  2. Complete the application form by following the outline of the application form template.
  3. Ensure to includein the application an itemized budget and pro forma invoices for goods and services.
  4. For proposals of a technical nature, attach an appraisal from a technically qualified authority.
  5. All questions must be answered or the proposal will not be considered for funding.
  6. Submit endorsed application to the Australian Embassy, Pohnpei:

Direct Aid Program
Australian Embassy
PO Box S
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM 96941

If you have any questions, please contact the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei, FSM at 691-320-5448 or by email,