HEAD OF MISSION DIRECT AID PROGRAM (DAP)
The Australian High Commission administers a discretionary fund known as the Direct Aid Program (DAP). The main focus of DAP is to encourage Community Development.
The assistance is designed to help community groups improve their living standards. Projects that are of a self-help nature and to which there is a community contribution will be given priority. Projects which assist community health and education will be treated most favourably. Projects submitted by disadvantaged groups (e.g. the disabled, women, or those from isolated communities) will also be highly regarded.
Applicants should be aware that not all projects submitted to the High Commission can be supported as there are limited DAP funds available and the number of requests, even for projects that fall within these guidelines, far exceed the level of funding available. Projects should be no more than SBD 30 000. As a general rule DAP is unable to assist with the following projects: religious activities, overseas trips, sporting or musical equipment, cultural activities, generators, lawn mowers, chain saws, outboard motors, garden tools or goods to sell in a tradestore.
The DAP scheme does not involve giving cash grants to communities. The applicants of all approved projects will be notified by mail and asked to come to the Australian High Commission to pick up a cheque made out to the supplier of the materials. Applications usually take at least three months to process and no urgent applications can be accepted.
The Australian High Commission will not assist with freight or delivery costs. Failure to collect the materials by the due date will result in the project being cancelled. Before receiving their cheque, applicants must provide evidence that transport for project materials has already been paid.
DAP Application Form