Direct Aid Program (DAP)

Applications for the 2025-2026 Surabaya Direct Aid Program (DAP) are now open!

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants scheme funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya, to support small-scale, sustainable development projects in East Java and Central Java.

DAP funding is available to educational institutions, associations/communities, foundations, and other entities engaged in development activities in East Java and Central Java (except Yogyakarta).

The following criteria are preferred but not required:

  • An educational institution registered in Indonesia, or
  • A foundation or association legally incorporated in Indonesia (can be proven by a Deed of Establishment (Akta pendirian), a Decree of Approval (Surat Keputusan) from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), or similar documents.

In 2025-2026, we invite projects targeting one or more of the following areas:

  • Gender equality, women’s empowerment, disability, and social inclusion
  • Education
  • Health, water, and sanitation
  • Disaster-related projects
  • Environmental protection, waste management, and climate resilience

 Project must:

  • deliver strong developmental outcomes that are clearly defined, specific, achievable, and sustainable
  • provide direct and tangible impacts that can be seen and measured

Amount of funding

The majority of successfully funded DAP projects have a maximum proposed budget of AUD20,000 (IDR 200,000,000) per project. Projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of the grant being disbursed (usually at the end on 2025) and can be extended until May 2027.

How can we apply?

To start an application, please click on a link below:

  • DAP Application Form – English: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/surabaya2025-26-eng
  • DAP Application Form – Indonesian: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/surabaya2025-26-indo

DO NOT apply to both forms, please apply to just one

Applications will close at 23:59 (Surabaya time) on Sunday, 16 November 2025.

Please be advised that applications submitted via email or hardcopy cannot be considered. We are only able to assess electronic applications submitted through the above links.

Applications must:

  • be submitted through the online grants management system, SmartyGrants
  • include a clear, fully itemised, and fully costed project budget
  • clearly outline the development benefits of the proposal
  • demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to effectively implement the proposed project
  • demonstrate the applicant’s capability and capacity to manage any identified project-related risks
  • demonstrate soundness of the project’s objectives and design
  • demonstrate that the project is technically feasible and practical
  • demonstrate that the project aligns with the objectives of the Direct Aid Program (see above)
  • where co-funding is involved, the other partners must be identified in the application
  • include a suggested format for a possible visit by Australian officials.

We will generally NOT fund the following:

  • staff salaries
  • loans, cash grants or micro-credit schemes or projects that involve the return of money
  • commercial ventures (unless it can be demonstrated that any profits flow to the community as a whole or will be reinvested in the community project)
  • international travel
  • sponsorship of major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear developmental benefit
  • routine, recurring or running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs.

Selection process:

The Consulate’s DAP Committee selects projects annually based on online applications.  When assessing applications, the DAP Committee will consider whether:

  • the project is eligible to receive DAP funding;
  • the project is in a priority sector;
  • there is local participation in the initiative and a clear need for support;
  • the applicant can successfully carry out the project, including meeting expenditure and reporting deadlines.

As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit details of two referees.  A referee should be a credible individual from outside your organisation who is familiar with the applying organisation and can vouch for you and your work.  Referees may be contacted to discuss the applications.

The DAP Committee will advise all applicants in writing as to whether their project has been successful or unsuccessful as soon as possible after the completion of the selection round.

Should your project be successful, you will be required to:

  • sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the grant;
  • follow all due diligence requirements of the Australian Consulate-General Surabaya
  • keep full financial records of all expenditure, including receipts;
  • submit final project completion report using the Smarty Grants website; and
  • strictly adhere to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Child Protection Policies while implementing the project.

We require a high degree of transparency and accountability in all projects. Recipients of DAP funding must ensure that the work conducted in relation to the project is undertaken in a safe manner and complies with all applicable local laws, standards and policies that relate to health and safety.

Further Information: click HERE.

For any further questions, please write to DAP.Surabaya@dfat.gov.au.