PANO - The Australian Embassy in Hanoi is now accepting Expressions of Interest for 2013-14 Direct Aid Program (DAP) projects north of and including Thua Thien Hue Province. The cut-off for applications is 5:00pm on August 23rd 2013.

DAP provides grants for small-scale development projects aimed at alleviating hardship and advancing development outcomes in Vietnam’s disadvantaged communities. DAP funding is available to individuals, community groups, NGOs, academic institutions, libraries, museums, and other organisations engaged in development activities in Vietnam on a not for profit basis.

Once Expressions of Interest have been assessed, shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit Full Applications. 

“Simple projects funded through DAP can make a real difference to living standards in disadvantaged communities. DAP projects help support poverty elimination, education, health, people with disabilities, environment and sanitation”, said Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman.

In 2012-13, the Australian Embassy supported 12 projects across 11 provinces in northern Vietnam of Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Thai Binh, Ninh Binh, Bac Kan, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Binh, Son La and Quang Tri.

DAP funding is in addition to Australia’s significant bilateral aid program for Vietnam. Overall, Australia will provide an estimated AUD 159.1 million in Official Development Assistance to Vietnam in the 2013-2014 financial year.

DAP is a small grants program funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and administered by the Australian Embassy in Hanoi.

Typically, grants of up to VND 210 million are available for applicants. The Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City manages a DAP scheme for projects south of, and including, Da Nang City. Under special circumstances, grants of up to VND 630 million may be available for more complex projects of high merit.

DAP guidelines, application forms and advice on how to submit an application can be found on the Australian Embassy website at http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/cooperation.html.

Viet Anh