The Direct Aid Program of the Australian Embassy is a program of the Australian Government to directly support projects in developing countries through their embassies. Within the program, local NGOs with strong ties to the communities are supported in the areas where the Australian Government works in the specific country. Right now, the Direct Aid Program for Nepal is open for applications.
Who can Apply for What?
NGOs from Nepal that are registered with the Social Welfare Council can apply for funding with this program. The maximum amount of money an NGO can receive over the lifespan of a project is 50,000 Australian Dollars (approximately USD 37,500). In Nepal, the Direct Aid Program funds projects in the following areas:
- Poverty Alleviation
- Community Health and Education
- Gender Equality
- Rights of Persons with Disability
- Human Rights
- Environment Protection
- Rural Development
How does the Application Process Work?
To apply for funding within the Direct Aid Program, you need to pass a two-phased application process. In the first phase, you need to submit an Expression of Interest until the 30th of June, 2019. If your project is shortlisted, you will be notified in July and would need to submit a more detailed proposal.
The first Expression of Interest has to be submitted through a homepage called Smarty Grants. Make sure you have a good internet connection when you want to apply to all the information can be transmitted.
You will need to submit digital copies of the following documents, so make sure you have scans of all of them:
- Details of District Administration Office Registrations
- Details of Social Welfare Council Affiliation
- Recommendation letter from Local Government (Both Nepali or English languages are acceptable)
Furthermore, you need to submit the contact information of two people in your NGO. In the application itself, you need to give a short description of your project and the justification. Also, you need to specify the exact amount of money the project will cost and the contribution your NGO and your beneficiaries will make. Therefore, make sure you have these numbers at hand.
What does the Australian Embassy want to see in your application?
Even though the maximum amount you can apply for is AU$ 50,000, projects that apply for AU$ 20,000 – 40,000 have the best chances to be chosen. Also, projects with a high co-payment by the NGO and the beneficiaries will be favored.
The Australian Embassy also would like to see projects that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links, are achievable and have sustainable outcomes. Furthermore, projects should provide educational or occupational skills and training if this applies to the specific circumstances.
If you feel like your project fits this bill, you can fill out the Expression of Interest form here by 30th of June 2019.
If you need help preparing your proposal, make sure to check out some of our articles to get all the information you need. Best of luck with your proposal!
