Application Guidelines
The Australian Embassy in Iraq invites applications for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) – a competitive small grants initiative supporting community-led development projects that deliver practical and immediate benefits to vulnerable groups.
We will hold online information sessions (webinars) on:
📅 1 October 2026 at 10am Baghdad time - register now
📅 8 October 2026 at 2pm Baghdad time - register now
These webinars will explain the program and answer your questions.
Who can apply?
You can apply if your organisation:
- Community-based organisations
- Local, international and multilateral non-government organisations
- Educational institutions
- Research organisations and other not-for-profit entities
- Government entities, where funding is consistent with DAP objectives and ODA requirements
What kind of projects can be funded?
We fund small-scale, high-impact projects that:
- Are locally designed and led
- Can be completed within 12 months or less
- Deliver clear and measurable benefits to the community
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Provide or advocate for psychosocial support and disability inclusion initiatives
- Promote social cohesion and minority rights
- Promote the protection and empowerment of women and children.
Examples of eligible activities:
- Community health and sanitation
- Access and improvements to disability services
- Provision of essential supplies to vulnerable groups
- Community safety and accessibility enhancements
What activities are NOT eligible?
DAP does not fund:
- Salaries, rent, utilities, or ongoing operational costs
- International travel or study tours
- Projects that return money to individuals (e.g. microcredit)
- Commercial or for-profit ventures
- Purchase of major assets (e.g. vehicles)
- Activities without a clear development benefit
How much funding is available?
- You can apply for up to AUD 100,000 (paid in Iraqi Dinar)
- There is no minimum amount
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
Important:
- Your application and project budget must be prepared in Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
- If your project is approved, the grant will be paid in Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
How to apply?
Applications are to be lodged using the online form on the DAP (link to be added) Smartgrants portal.
Applications close at 23:59 (GMT+3) Monday 19 October 2026.
Application Checklist
All applications need to have the following information:
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A clear project proposal with goals and expected outcomes |
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Fully costed project budget in IQD, including details of other funding sources |
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Registration certificate (for Iraqi NGOs) |
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Details of two referees |
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Child Protection Code of Conduct/Child Protection Policy (where project involves working with children) |
Accountability, Transparency and Reporting
The Australian Embassy requires a high degree of transparency and accountability in relation to all projects that receive DAP grants. Proposals must demonstrate that the risk of wastage, administration costs and other costs not delivering direct benefit to the target community will be minimised.
If your project is funded, your organisation must:
- Sign a grant agreement with the Embassy
- Keep full financial records (including receipts)
- Submit a progress report within 6 months
- Submit a final report with financial acquittal at the end
Projects involving construction must meet Australian standards where possible.
No DAP funds may be used to support individuals or groups under UN or Australian sanctions.