Australian High Commission
Fiji

Direct Aid Program

DIRECT AID PROGRAM

The Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) provides grants for small-scale sustainable development projects.  

Important note: Only rely on information on DAP from this website or directly from the High Commission.

 

Who can apply?

DAP funding is for non-profit community groups, non-government organisations, and other organisations working to improve lives in local communities in Fiji – especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups like, women, children, youth and people with disabilities.

DAP projects are supported across Fiji in sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, disaster resilience, gender equality and disability inclusion.

 

How much can I apply for?

Applicants can apply for a maximum of AUD60,000 (around FJD $89,000) over the life of the project.

Projects should be completed within 6 months of receiving funding.

Larger projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

 

What kind of projects can get DAP support?

The DAP supports projects that have real, practical results and a clear impact.  

Applications SHOULD:

  • be supported by the local community, authorities and/or government ministries
  • include contributions from the community (e.g. labour, materials, transport or money)
  • be achievable, have sustainable outcomes, and do not require recurring costs (e.g. maintenance)
  • include gender equality and disability inclusion considerations
  • identify risks and have a plan to manage them.

We will generally NOT fund the following:

  • cash grants or micro-credit schemes
  • business or commercial ventures
  • building or fixing churches and places of worship
  • buying major assets, e.g. vehicles, boats
  • international travel or study tours
  • sporting tournaments or cultural events without clear developmental benefits
  • staff salaries
  • running costs and administrative expenses (e.g. rent, utilities, subscriptions, spare parts)
  • shipping goods, unless they cannot be bought locally.

 

Expectations for accountability, transparency and reporting

We require a high degree of transparency and accountability in all projects. Applications must demonstrate that the risk of wastage, administration costs and other costs not delivering direct benefit to the target community will be minimised.  

Should your project be successful, you will be required to:

  • sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the grant
  • keep full financial records of all expenditure, including receipts
  • submit a progress report within six months of receiving your funding
  • submit a final report at the project’s completion
  • allow and facilitate a visit by Australian High Commission representatives to the project site.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

When can I apply?

The Direct Aid Program is now accepting applications for the current funding round, which will remain open from 29 September to 30 November 2025.  

Successful applicants will be notified by January 2026, and grants will be provided by March 2026.

 

How will applications be assessed?

After the submission deadline, the DAP Committee will assess the applications against the following criteria:

  • The overall development impact of the project
  • Feasibility and sustainability of the project
  • Identification and management of risks
  • Integration of gender equality, disability and other social inclusion considerations.

During this process, we may ask the applicant for more information.

 

How can I apply?

All applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants, an online grant system. See application link below:

https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/Fiji2025

You can access SmartyGrants from any device with internet.

We will not accept applications sent outside of SmartyGrants.

If you cannot use SmartyGrants, email us at [email protected].

 

Need help?

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

Include your application number in your email subject.