Applications for for Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2025-26 in Kiribati are now closed.
What is the Direct Aid Program (DAP)?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program administered by the Australian High Commission in Kiribati. The program aims to support projects with a strong development focus which are designed to benefit the whole community. We encourage projects in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, health and disability, sport, youth, human rights, the environment, economic empowerment, agriculture and ad hoc humanitarian relief. A maximum of $20,000 can be provided per grant.
What types of projects are eligible under DAP?
Australia funds DAP projects that aim to achieve practical and tangible outcomes with a high development impact, which are achievable, and have sustainable outcomes.
In 2025-26, the Australian High Commission will favourably consider projects:
- In the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, disability inclusion, youth, human rights, the environment, small-scale infrastructure, economic empowerment and ad hoc humanitarian relief
- That support sporting activities
- That enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links
- That provide educational or occupational/skills training
- Where the community makes a contribution in labour, materials, transport and cash to their own project.
What projects are not eligible for DAP support?
- Projects that give grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money, or commercial ventures.
- Purchase of major assets, for example cars and boats.
- Australian or overseas study tours.
- International travel.
- Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit.
- Staff salaries.
- Routine, recurring running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance.
Who is eligible to apply for DAP?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community groups
- Villages
- Non-government organisations (NGOs)
- Churches and church communities
Local government and councils are not eligible to apply.
Expectations for accountability, transparency and reporting
We require a high degree of transparency and accountability in all projects.
Should your project be successful, you will be required to:
- sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the grant
- undertake communication with the Australian High Commission, Tarawa regarding the project’s progress
- submit a final report at the project’s completion
- allow and facilitate a visit by Australian High Commission representatives to the project site.
How can I apply?
All applications should be submitted online through Smarty Grants, an online grant system, at this link: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Tarawa2025
You can access Smarty Grants from any device with internet.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 16 November and no late applications will be accepted.
Where can I get help?
For more information email [email protected] or phone 74021184 (during working hours).
Click here to view the DAP 2025-2026 Factsheet.
Click here to view the guide on how to apply for DAP using Smarty Grants.