The Australian High Commission in Kenya has opened applications for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2026–2027, a small grants programme funded by the Australian Government to support community-led development projects that deliver practical, sustainable, and direct benefits to vulnerable communities.
The programme provides funding to local organisations implementing projects that reduce poverty, strengthen resilience, promote inclusion, and improve livelihoods across East Africa. Projects should be community-focused, locally driven, and capable of producing measurable development outcomes.
Location
Nairobi, Kenya (Administered by the Australian High Commission)
Projects may be implemented in eligible countries across East Africa.
Eligible organisations may apply for projects implemented in:
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- 🇹🇿 Tanzania
- 🇺🇬 Uganda
- 🇸🇴 Somalia
- 🇷🇼 Rwanda
- 🇧🇮 Burundi
Priority Areas
The Direct Aid Program supports projects that generate tangible benefits in areas such as:
- Climate resilience and environmental sustainability
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Women’s and girls’ empowerment
- Disability inclusion
- Health and community wellbeing
- Education and skills development
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Livelihood improvement and economic empowerment
- Disaster preparedness and resilience
- Community infrastructure
Projects should be practical, inclusive, and respond to locally identified development needs.
Grant Value
Applicants may request up to AUD 60,000 per project.
Funding is intended for small-scale, high-impact development initiatives with clear community benefits.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered local NGOs
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Non-profit organizations
- Other eligible not-for-profit entities
Applicants should:
- Be legally registered in an eligible country.
- Demonstrate strong financial and project management capacity.
- Propose projects with clear, measurable development outcomes.
- Ensure projects directly benefit local communities.
Projects with commercial or profit-making objectives are not eligible.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants.
Paper applications and applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Applicants should prepare:
- Organization details
- Project proposal
- Budget
- Implementation timeline
- Supporting documentation required by the application portal.
Application Deadline
16 August 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
Why You Should Apply
The Direct Aid Program is an excellent opportunity for community organizations seeking funding for practical development initiatives that create lasting impact. Whether your project focuses on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, education, health, women’s empowerment, or community livelihoods, the programme provides flexible funding to help local organizations implement solutions that improve the lives of vulnerable communities across East Africa.
