The Direct Aid Program

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded from Australia's aid budget. It has the flexibility to work with local communities in developing countries on projects that reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.

DAP is a key part of the High Commission’s work our nine countries of accreditation and complements Australia’s contributions to larger development initiatives in the region.

Applications for the 2023-24 DAP round are now closed!

In 2023-24, the High Commission is funding projects in the following focus areas:

• Good governance, transparency, and accountability
• Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment
• Countering violent extremism
• Human rights promotion and inclusion

Photo: Women from Zagyuri community fetch water from their newly constructed solar-powered water system

Photo: High Commissioner H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones tours the newly constructed Neonatal ICU at the Ketu South Municipal hospital

DAP is available to not-for-profit individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance (ODA). In 2023-24, applications are open to Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Funding is allocated on a competitive basis.