Direct Aid Program

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program administered by the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands. It is designed to help community groups improve their living standards.

Projects should be of a self-help nature and include community contributions. We strongly encourage applications for projects that benefit disadvantaged groups such as women, youths, those with disabilities and those from isolated communities.

Applicants may apply for projects that take up to one year to complete. Applicants should be aware that not all projects 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.

The DAP scheme does not involve giving cash grants to communities.

The applicants of all approved projects will be notified and asked to come to the Australian High Commission for handing over of the project.

Applicants must provide the following information:

a completed application form including a detailed project description, timeline and budget
an endorsement letter from the relevant provincial or national government ministry
at least two quotations for all the materials involved in the projects
a map detailing where your proposed project is located
any projects which involve a building must include a building diagram or plan
a return postal address (a PO Box number is preferable) on your application form and a telephone contact number.

The community must provide a completion report to the Australian High Commission no later than two months after the project is completed. The High Commission will, as practicable, visit approved and completed DAP projects.

Important note: DAP program and application requirements can change from year-to-year. Please do not rely on information that does not appear on this website or that you did not receive directly from the High Commission.

Who can apply?

DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in countries that are eligible for official development assistance.

How much can I apply for?

Applicants can apply for a maximum of SBD $300,000 over the life of the project. Projects must be delivered within twelve months of funding. Projects requiring funding above SBD $300,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the DAP Committee.

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities should primarily be aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact, including capacity building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement. We will favourably consider projects:

in the areas of community and/or rural development, education, gender equality, disabilities, youth, human rights, the environment, small-scale infrastructure, economic empowerment and ad hoc humanitarian relief;
where applicants and their communities make a contribution in labour, materials, transport or cash;
that involve sporting activities targeting a disadvantaged group;
that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links;
that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes;
that provide educational or occupational/skills training and have a clear plan for measuring the success of the training.

What activities are not eligible for DAP support?

administrative costs,
fundraising events,
vehicles (including cars/trucks, boats, motorbikes),
outboard motors,
consumables (including petrol, fertilizer, chemicals),
religious activities or church buildings,
overseas trips,
cash grants micro-credit schemes,
personal commercial ventures,
computers / sporting/ musical equipment,
cultural activities,
generators,
lawn mowers, chainsaws, tools, or goods to sell in a trade store,
stationery,
teachers’ housing

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 Australian High Commission’s DAP program has two rounds a year, closing on 31 March and 30 September 2023.

How will applications be assessed?

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

the costs and the development benefits of the project;
whether it has achievable and sustainable outcomes;
the soundness of the project's objectives and design;
the practicability of the proposed implementation arrangements, and;
whether the project conforms to the objectives of the Direct Aid Program.

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

How can I apply?

Online application

You can submit your application online through SmartyGrants.

Click on this link to begin your application process in English.

Click on this link to begin your application process in Solomon Islands Pijin.

SmartyGrants operates on a web-based platform and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Paper application

We also accept hardcopy applications in English or Solomon Islands Pijin, which must be mailed to:

The DAP Officer

Australian High Commission | PO Box 589, Honiara

Phone: 21561 | Fax: 23691 | Email: [email protected]

What do I do if I need help?

If you have any questions while completing your application, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Make sure to include your application number in your email subject.