The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra each year provides limited funding to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh aimed at funding the Direct Aid Program (DAP). This funding is separate from the government-to-government aid program administered by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The purpose of the DAP funding is to assist developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
The Australian Embassy is currently accepting applications from interested organisations for Direct Aid Program funding for projects that will be undertaken in 2011-2012 (projects should be completed by June 2012).
Activities Eligible for DAP Support
Projects that are eligible for DAP funding should have a humanitarian or developmental focus (that is, they should provide some form of skills training, community benefit, improvements in health and sanitation or self-improvement). Projects should be self-contained, with finite time lines, and usually benefit vulnerable groups (notably people with disabilities, orphans or women). Activities in which the recipient community themselves makes a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials or cash are particularly well-received. A ceiling of USD$25,000.00 is usually placed on individual projects. Projects must demonstrate that they include both sexes in equal numbers of participants in educational and occupational/skills training unless reason for this can be demonstrated. Proposals are considered by a Committee consisting of Embassy officers, and successful proposals receive a one-off grant only. Only one grant will be made per organisation at any given time.
Applicants eligible for DAP funding
Any international or local non-government organisation or institution legally registered in Cambodia can apply for the DAP funding. Organisations applying for funding for the first time should provide proof of their recognition by Cambodian authorities.
Mode of payment
Payment is normally made by cheque, once the organisation has signed a letter agreeing to meet the conditions of the grant. Cheques will NOT be made out to an individual and will ONLY be issued to the organisation. Correct account name for issuing cheque must be provided.
Grant conditions
If funding is approved, the organisation must agree to submit a final report with clear verification of achievements, accounts and expenditure receipts. For projects of longer than six months’ duration, a mid-term progress report should be submitted after six months. Before funds are provided, recipients will be required to sign an undertaking to provide these reports. Monitoring visits may also be made by Australian Embassy staff during the course of the project, by arrangement with the organisation. All funds must be expended and acquitted within the Financial Year in which they are granted.
Last date for submission of application is September 5, 2011
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
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