Organisations working on small-scale development projects across East Africa are invited to apply for the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2026-27, a grant initiative providing financial assistance of up to AUD 60,000 per project. The programme is administered by the Australian High Commission in Nairobi and is open to eligible groups and organisations operating in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda.
About the Programme
The Direct Aid Program is Australia’s grassroots development funding mechanism, designed to support locally grounded projects with defined objectives and clear, measurable outcomes. Projects may run for up to two years and must demonstrate financial self-sustainability — recurrent costs such as salaries, rent, utility bills, and microcredit schemes are not supported. Organisations that can demonstrate strong local involvement or partnerships with other likeminded organisations, whether financial or in-kind, are given preference.
Focus Areas
The 2026-27 round will fund projects addressing:
- Climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity conservation
- Skills development, sport, media, and blue economy initiatives
- Health, community wellbeing, and access to essential services
- Human rights, governance, gender equality, and social inclusion
- Prevention of human trafficking and protection of vulnerable groups
- Peacebuilding and countering violent extremism
Who Can Apply
Eligible groups and organisations operating in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda may apply. Projects must be located in one or more of these countries.
Organisations with an active project currently funded under the DAP — including those that received funding in the 2024-25 or 2025-26 rounds — are not eligible for the 2026-27 round.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants online platform.
