Australian Direct Aid Program 2025-26 - Call for project proposals
The Australian Embassy in Belgrade is pleased to announce a Call for project proposals that will be supported through our Direct Aid Program (DAP) in the financial year 2025-26.
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 plays an important role in supporting local community efforts towards poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Applicants may submit their application for a single project up to the amount of AUD 20,000.
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 address the following priorities:
- Promote human rights, media freedom and good governance.
- Promote gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
- Foster education opportunities and employment of youth with disabilities.
- Promote youth mental health.
Projects must be self-contained, with a timeline beginning no earlier than 1 January 2026 and concluding no later than 31 December 2026.
Priority will be given to projects influencing policies, practices and institutions that manage the way people live together, make decisions and exercise rights.
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 open on 15 September at 07.00hr and close on 05 October 2025 at 23.59hr.
The Direct Aid Program Application form is to be completed by the applicant online, through the SmartyGrants system, via the following link https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/BelgradeDAP2025-26
Eligibility criteria and instructions for applications are outlined in the Direct Aid Program (DAP) Guidelines for FY 2025-26.
After submission of your application
Only successful applicants will be contacted between eight to ten weeks after the application deadline.
We look forward receiving your applications.