Direct Aid Program (DAP) Thailand

Description

1) Objective

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities, managed by the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. The program funds projects that provide direct benefits to those most in need in the local community, including vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. DAP projects should be aimed primarily at achieving practical and tangible outcomes, such as on poverty alleviation, community health; schools/education; small-scale infrastructure; rural development; gender equality; environmental benefits including managing or adapting to climate change and ad hoc humanitarian relief. The focus should be on activities that have a direct impact and may include capacity building projects, particularly in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. Projects that support people with disabilities to improve the quality of their lives through accessing the same opportunities for participation, contribution, decision-making, and social and economic well-being as others are strongly encouraged.

They support projects from all over Thailand that help to make a real difference in people’s lives.  Some of the many projects supported by the Embassy last year include:

• providing an island community with clean solar energy, Bulon Island;
• providing equipment for volunteer firefighters in Chiang Mai;
• supporting a road safety training course for south Chaiyaphum schools; and
• creating a community library for the Makkasan community in Bangkok.

2) Eligibility

Generally, post DAP committees will consider projects identified by local community associations but may also consider projects identified by individuals, the private sector, NGOs or local government authorities (for example, for local government school and hospital projects), depending on the nature of the project.

3) Location

Support is provided to projects implemented in Thailand.

4) Budget

The vast bulk of successfully funded DAP projects fall between the range of AUD4,000 to AUD30,000 ($3,100 to $23,800). In exceptional circumstances they can fund projects up to AUD60,000 ($47,700). However, they prefer to be able to support as many projects as possible, thus projects under AUD30,000 ($23,800) are considered favourably.

5) Application

Applications are now open and will close on 30 October 2020. Applications cannot be submitted via the online SmartyGrants system after the deadline and therefore will not be considered.