Applications for Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Kiribati are now open. Applications close at midnight on Sunday 16 November 2025.
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).