Australian Direct Aid Program 2026-27 - Call for Concept Notes
The Australian Embassy in Belgrade is pleased to announce a Call for Concept Notes for projects that will be supported through our Direct Aid Program (DAP) in the financial year 2026-27.
What is the Direct Aid Program?
DAP is a flexible small grants program funded from Australia’s aid budget and managed by the Australian Embassy in Belgrade. The program supports locally led projects that deliver practical and tangible outcomes to local communities.
Applicants may submit their application for a single project up to the amount of 10,000 EUR.
DAP funding is available to local community groups, non-profit and civil society organisations and NGOs engaged in development activities in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
What activities are eligible for DAP support?
The DAP program in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro focuses on supporting small scale projects and activities that:
- Support initiatives that contribute to inclusive green transition.
This may include initiatives that:
- Inform policy development at the local or national level;
- Activities implemented in partnership with other donors.
- Strengthen women’s and girls’ participation in the green economy by expanding access to the skills, knowledge and leadership opportunities.
This may include initiatives that:
- Build technical, digital and STEM skills relevant to the green economy;
- Support women’s and girls’ leadership and entrepreneurship in green industries, including through training and mentoring.
Projects must be self-contained, with a timeline beginning no earlier than 1 December 2026 and concluding no later than 31 December 2027.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate potential to influence policies, strengthen institutional cooperation, improve community participation in environmental decision making.
Post will favour the strongest project proposals, which demonstrate a clear theory of change and sustainability, focusing on priority thematic areas.
Projects that foster partnerships that allow larger projects with more than one donor or act as a catalyst for additional development of the community or as a model for similar developments elsewhere will also be welcomed. Furthermore, activities in which the recipient entity makes a significant contribution in terms of labour, materials or financing are particularly well-received.
How to apply
This round will be opened from 8 September to 4 October 2026.
Interested applicants should complete the attached Concept Note and send it to [email protected] by 4 October, with the subject header “DAP Concept Note, Name of Organisation [Country]”.
After submission of your application
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted between four to six weeks after the application deadline. They will then be invited to submit a full application through the Smarty Grants system.
We look forward receiving your applications.