Application Deadline:
21 November 2026
About Organisation
The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) manages the Direct Aid Program (DAP), a small-grants initiative that supports practical, community-level development projects in eligible countries. In eastern and northeastern India, the programme is administered by the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata, which works with local organisations to support poverty reduction, sustainable development and stronger community participation.
About the Grant
The Direct Aid Program Kolkata 2026–27 invites applications from not-for-profit organisations seeking support for small-scale, sustainable development projects across eastern and northeastern India. The programme is designed to fund practical interventions that produce tangible community benefits, strengthen local capacities and contribute to poverty reduction.
For the 2026–27 round, the Consulate-General has identified four priority areas: education, innovation and entrepreneurship; sustainable farming and agricultural technology; climate action and energy; and gender diversity and women’s empowerment. The programme also encourages initiatives that promote human rights, Indigenous inclusion, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and disability rights.
Projects should have clearly defined objectives, measurable outputs and realistic implementation arrangements. They must be self-contained, financially accountable and capable of continuing beyond the grant period. Projects should run for no longer than 12 months and should demonstrate how they will generate sustainable benefits for the communities they serve.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to community groups, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis. The proposed project must be implemented in one or more of the following states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura or West Bengal.
Applicants must hold current Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration and comply with the applicable FCRA rules. They must also submit financial audit statements for the previous two years. Organisations should be able to demonstrate their capacity to manage project funds, maintain financial records and provide progress and completion reports.
How to Apply?
Interested organisations should review the official Direct Aid Program guidelines published by the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata. Applications must be submitted through the Australian Government’s SmartyGrants online application system. Applicants should prepare a full project proposal, including the objectives, implementation plan, expected development outcomes, budget, sustainability strategy and supporting organisational documents.
The application must also include the required FCRA information and audited financial statements for the previous two years. A contribution towards project costs from the applicant’s own funds or in-kind resources is expected.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 21 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
