Direct Aid Small Grant Program for India: Apply by Nov 4

The Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata, which is Australia’s fourth diplomatic post in India, administers the Direct Aid Program (DAP). This program is dedicated to supporting community-driven, small-scale development initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth and reducing poverty in India. Over the last decade, the Consulate has built vital connections and strengthened relationships between Australia and Indian communities, particularly in economically and socially marginalized areas. The Consulate promotes Australia’s trade, commercial, and investment interests across the eastern and northeastern states, including West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, and others. Additionally, it safeguards the interests of Australians residing, working, or visiting these regions. For the 2024-25 funding cycle, DAP will focus on five key thematic areas: education, sustainable farming, climate action, gender diversity, and human rights, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

The Direct Aid Small Grant Program offers funding to projects that promote development and social inclusion across five main thematic areas. With a goal to encourage self-sufficiency and poverty reduction, the grant prioritizes high-quality initiatives in education, agricultural technology, climate action, gender equality, and human rights. Each theme aligns with Australia’s development policies, focusing on creating long-term positive impacts. Education grants target access for women, girls, and marginalized groups; sustainable farming grants emphasize productivity and income for women-led farming; climate action grants support conservation practices; gender diversity grants promote women’s empowerment and protection; and human rights grants encourage diversity and inclusion.