Direct Aid Program (DAP)

THE DIRECT AID PROGRAM (DAP)

The Australian High Commission Samoa Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small-grants program funded by the Australian Aid bilateral program. It is designed to support local community groups and organisations engaged in development activities to complement the Australian development partnership with the Government of Samoa.

Call for proposal rounds

What will be funded in 2022-2023?

In 2022-2023, DAP will prioritise projects that focus on:

• Climate change (covering environment and sustainability)
• Social Inclusion (comprising gender equality, disability, social inclusion)
• Economic empowerment (particularly where it intersects with social inclusion and/or climate change)

Applications will be accepted from local community-based groups and organizations and need to demonstrate a strong benefit to local communities. Priority will be given to creative and innovative applications that will spark additional development of the community. We particularly welcome proposals for projects that address or directly benefit the needs of vulnerable groups including women and girls, children, people living with disabilities and the elderly. Applicants can apply for up to SAT20,000.

What do we mean by this?

Here are some examples of innovative projects supported by the Direct Aid Program:

What projects are NOT eligible?

The following projects are not eligible for funding under the Direct Aid Program:

• Projects benefitting individuals or individual households, or commercial ventures
• Routine running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance and reports, or staff salaries
• Purchase or rental of property, land or vehicles
• Conferences, seminars or overseas travel

• Maintenance of cemeteries or memorials
• Issuing cash grants, cash prizes, grants program or micro-credit schemes.

Projects should be clearly defined and costs supported with quotations. The DAP committee members may conduct site visits to projects and request additional information as required.

If you intend to submit a proposal in excess of SAT20,000 please contact the Australian High Commission first—proposals over this amount will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

All applications will go through a thorough due diligence and vetting process. Applicants may be contacted to submit additional information during this process. Assistance is only provided where Australian or other support is not available to the recipients, or the support to which they have access is inadequate or inappropriate to meet essential needs.

How to apply:

1. Download and complete the application form  (either typed or neatly handwritten) or collect a form from the High Commission
2. Attach reference letters to support your proposal
3. Submit your application electronically to [email protected]  or hand in a hard copy to the Australian High Commission and address it to: The DAP Coordinator, Australian High Commission, Beach Road, Apia
    

                                                  Unfortunately not all applications received can be funded

If you have any questions, or would like a Samoan translation of the above information, please email [email protected].

Like the Australian High Commission, Samoa Facebook page for more news and updates.