Direct Aid Program - Türkiye
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded from Australia's aid budget. It has the flexibility to work with local communities in Türkiye on projects that achieve sustainable development consistent with Australia's national interest.
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1. What is the Direct Aid Program?
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded by the Australian Government’s aid budget and managed by the Australian Embassy in Ankara. DAP supports projects that work with local communities to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development outcomes that align with Australia’s national interests.
While there is no minimum grant amount, the maximum funding available for an individual DAP project is 25,000 USD. Please note that the currency indicated in the application will not be subject to change during the course of the project and must be used consistently in all supporting documentation. The project end date cannot be later than 31 December 2027.
For general information about the program, please visit:
Direct Aid Program Information
2. DAP Türkiye Priorities
DAP Türkiye aims to advance Australia’s interests in Türkiye through the funding of small-scale development and humanitarian projects. DAP projects support the achievement of practical and tangible outcomes for target groups in priority development sectors (outlined below), while promoting a positive image of Australia and strengthening connections with local communities across Türkiye.
The program seeks to maintain geographical diversity across Türkiye and improve our understanding of local developments and the country’s diversity.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Australian Consulate in Çanakkale, community-focused projects are welcomed from local partners in the Çanakkale region.
3. Who Can Apply?
DAP is open to:
- Not-for-profit community groups
- National and international NGOs
- Academic institutions and universities
- Research organisations
- Local government institutions
DAP is only available to organisations based in Türkiye and for projects implemented in Türkiye.
4. What Sectors Are Eligible for DAP Funding?
The DAP Committee seeks projects that will achieve practical and tangible outcomes in the following priority development areas:
- Climate change resilience and adaptation
- Disability inclusion and empowerment
- Community resilience to disasters, particularly bushfires and earthquakes
- Youth education and empowerment
- Social and economic empowerment
- Health
5. Who Are DAP’s Target Groups?
The DAP Committee will give priority to projects that support disadvantaged groups and create lasting impacts for target beneficiaries, including:
- People with disabilities
- Women and girls
- Minority groups
- Communities affected by natural disasters, particularly bushfires
- Veterans and their families
- Australian university graduates or alumni in Türkiye
6. Application Requirements
To be eligible for DAP funding, projects must:
- Have a clearly defined timeline and workplan
- Include a detailed budget demonstrating that DAP funds will be fully spent by 31 December 2027
- Have specific, achievable and sustainable objectives and outcomes aligned with the project plan and budget
- Support one or more of the target beneficiary groups outlined above
Applications submitted under DAP must:
- Be lodged through the SmartyGrants online grants management system
- Include a clear, itemised budget showing how the entire grant amount will be used
- Present budget in USD
- Demonstrate the development benefits of the proposed project
- Demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to effectively implement the project
- Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to identify and manage project risks
- Provide evidence supporting the project objectives and implementation approach
- Demonstrate that the project is technically feasible and practical
- Demonstrate alignment with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program
- Identify project partners and describe partnership arrangements, where relevant
- Include a proposed date for a potential site visit by Embassy representatives
IMPORTANT
If the project involves activities with children, the applicant organisation must already have a Child Protection Policy and/or Child Protection Procedures in place for the project to be considered.
Please complete the form at Annex A and upload it with your application.
You may use the sample Child Protection Policy provided in Annex A.
If the link does not work, you may download the sample directly from:
Child Protection Policy Template
Further information on DFAT’s Child Protection Policy, including the relevant form, can be found at:
When completing the form:
- Initial each page of the document
- On the final page, include the statement: “I have read, understood and commit to complying with the requirements of this document”, followed by your name, date and signature
- Upload the signed document with your application
7. Selection Process
In addition to meeting the above requirements, preference will be given to projects that:
- Include contributions from the applicant’s own resources or other donors
- Demonstrate community contributions through labour, materials, in-kind support or financial contributions
- Deliver tangible and sustainable outcomes
- Support ongoing community development beyond the life of the project and/or provide a model for similar development initiatives
- Address gender equality considerations during implementation
- Include a communications plan that supports project objectives, reaches a broader audience and generates meaningful public visibility
Projects should also be based on:
- Evidence-based needs assessments
- Detailed activity and budget plans
- Clearly identified outputs
- Analysis of anticipated and unforeseen risks
- Appropriate risk mitigation measures
The Following Activities and Costs Are Generally Not Eligible for DAP Funding
- Grant programs implemented by other governments or organisations
- Micro-credit schemes or projects involving repayments or loans
- Salaries of employees of the implementing organisation
- Administrative costs not directly related to project implementation
- Purchase or rental of buildings or premises
- Purchase of vehicles
- Routine or recurring operational expenses such as office rent, utilities, telephone or internet costs
- Routine repair and maintenance costs
- Insurance for offices or equipment
- Commercial ventures
- Direct support to governments
- Overseas study tours, including travel to Australia
- International travel
- Sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural events that do not provide a clear development benefit
In certain circumstances, limited funding may be used for professional consultancy fees or domestic travel directly related to project implementation. However, these costs should represent only a small proportion of the overall project budget.
8. Accountability Requirements
All successful projects are required to submit a Final Project Report (Acquittal Report) through the online system at the completion of the project.
The acquittal process requires:
- Projects should be planned so that all activities and expenditure are completed in sufficient time to allow acquittal documentation to be submitted by the deadlines set out in the Grant Agreement.
- Detailed financial records of all expenditure
- An accurate assessment of project outcomes against the objectives outlined in the original application
- Submission of invoices and supporting financial documentation for every budget line item
For example, if your budget includes STEM equipment, you must provide invoices that correspond to both the approved budget item and the quantity approved.
9. How Do I Acknowledge Australian Government Support?
All DAP-funded projects must acknowledge support from the Australian Government by displaying the Australian Aid logo and the Australian Embassy logo.
This requirement applies to:
- Project signage
- Printed materials
- Annual reports
- Events and activities
- Websites
- Social media platforms
- Sponsorship materials
- Stationery
- Advertisements
- Clothing and merchandise
- Media releases
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Speeches and interviews
Projects are encouraged to invest in a banner displaying the Australian Aid logo or Australian Government branding for use during promotional and public engagement activities. Applicants are encouraged to include this cost in their proposed budget.
Project coordinators should ensure that local communities are informed that the project is supported by the Australian Embassy in Ankara.
DAP project implementers should also use permanent visibility materials, such as plaques or signs, where appropriate. Modest costs associated with visibility activities may be included in the project budget, provided they represent a small proportion of total project costs.
Successful grantees will receive detailed guidance on DAP branding and visibility requirements. Further information is available on the relevant DFAT website.
Logos and style guides | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
10. Environmental and Social Safeguards
DFAT’s safeguards policy outlines safeguard responsibilities and requirements relating to:
- Environmental protection
- Children, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
- Displacement and resettlement
- Indigenous peoples
- Health and safety
All aid investments must undergo safeguards screening, regardless of delivery mechanism or value. Where environmental or social impacts may arise, a safeguards risk assessment and rating must be undertaken.
For further information, please visit:
Environmental and Social Safeguards
11. Other Important Information
Child Protection
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has zero tolerance for child exploitation or abuse. DFAT recognises that preventing child exploitation and abuse is a shared responsibility of all adults.
This policy applies to all DFAT-funded partners, including:
- Contractors
- Consultants and contracted personnel
- NGOs and implementing organisations and their personnel
- Sub-contractors and partner organisations
- Australian Volunteers Program participants and partner organisations
- Australia Awards recipients
- DFAT grant recipients, including those funded under ANCP, DAP and Public Diplomacy programs
Further information:
Terrorism-Related Risks
DFAT is committed to ensuring that public funds are not used, directly or indirectly, to support individuals or organisations involved in terrorism.
Further information:
Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH)
DFAT has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in any form. This commitment applies both within the Department and to individuals and organisations with whom DFAT works in Australia and overseas.
Further information:
12. How Do I Apply?
All applications must follow the DAP Application Guidelines carefully and be submitted through the SmartyGrants online application system during the application period.
2026–27 Funding Round Dates
Applications Open: September 15, 2026, 17:00 (Türkiye Time)
Updated Applications Close: October 12, 2026, 17:00 (Türkiye Time)
SmartyGrants Application Form
https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/AnkaraDAP2627
13. Contact Us
For enquiries, please contact us at: