Project Timeline and Presentation

Direct Aid Program (DAP)

 

 

2026 Call for Proposals

The 2025-26 Local Initiatives Fund—a cooperative effort between the Embassies of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand accredited to Argentina and Paraguay—has closed its call for projects in Argentina and Paraguay for the 2026 cycle. RACI will coordinate this call. This fund consolidates the following programs designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects:

– Direct Aid Program (DAP) of the Australian Embassy in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay

– Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) of the Canadian Embassy in Argentina and Paraguay

– New Zealand Embassy Fund for Argentina and Paraguay.

The joint fund targets projects conceived and designed primarily by local partners. Projects will be selected and approved by the three embassies.

 

Submitting an Application

Project activities must be carried out within a period of no more than 12 months, with the possibility of requesting a 12-month extension should unforeseen circumstances arise. Late applications will not be considered.

Only proposals using the designated application form and including the required budget document will be considered.

Organizations must possess legal documentation from the country (articles of association, financial statements, bank account details, and other legal documents) to confirm their official status. Proposals must be written in Spanish.

Project proposals must explicitly answer all questions on the DAP project application form.

The proposed project budget must summarize the proposed activities and associated costs.

A selection committee will evaluate applications based on their merits. Due to the high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.

The Australian Embassy will collaborate closely with the Embassies of New Zealand and Canada on the selection and joint funding of projects for this cycle.

 

Call details

The call for proposals consists of two phases. Projects shortlisted in Phase 1 will be contacted to proceed to Phase 2. Projects must have a maximum duration of 12 months. Longer projects will only be approved in exceptional cases. The average funding amount per project is USD $20,000 

 

Organizations eligible for DAP funding

Eligible beneficiaries include:

Local non-governmental, community-based, and non-profit organizations Local educational institutions working on local projects International non-governmental organizations working on local development activities Australian non-governmental and non-profit organizations working on local development activities.

The majority of DAP funding is allocated to local civil society organizations (including non-governmental organizations) and other local-level institutions. Other entities—such as international, intergovernmental, multilateral, and regional bodies—may also be eligible for funding, provided they work with local partners on local projects that align with DAP objectives.

 

Thematic priorities

All projects must align with at least one of the DAP thematic priorities:

Environment and climate action Projects that protect the environment and address the climate crisis, combining environmental sustainability with social impact.

Gender equity Projects that promote gender equity and the rights of women and individuals with diverse gender identities, addressing structural inequalities.

Growth for all Projects that promote inclusive economic development, reducing inequalities and creating sustainable opportunities.

Human dignity Projects that protect and promote human rights, ensuring dignified living conditions for all people.

Inclusive governance Projects that strengthen democracy, participation, and accountability, promoting more open and inclusive institutions. Peace and security Projects that prevent violence and promote peace and human security, rebuilding the social fabric through non-violent, community-centered approaches.

 

Eligible expenses

Funding is not provided for:

Projects focused on microcredit. Study tours, organizing conferences, training trips, or accommodation.

Recurrent organizational expenses such as office rent, utility bills, bank fees, per diems, fuel, and machinery maintenance and repairs.

Purchase of computers, printers, digital devices, or other equipment not essential to the implementation of the project in question.

Purchase of automobiles or other means of transport.

Projects assessed as contrary to Australia's interests.

Retrospective activities. If the project includes expenses for staff salaries or fees, it will only be eligible if these represent a minor component (no more than 10%) of the total requested cost.

Before applying, don't forget to read the Fondo-para-Iniciativas-Locales-2026-Terminos-y-condiciones-1.pdf. You can also consult at Fondo-para-Iniciativas-Locales-2026-Preguntas-frecuentes-1.pdf

If you have any question after reading the Terms and Conditions document and the Frequent asked questions document you can contact us 

• For more information on the general guidelines of the DAP program, click Published - Lineamientos Generales -

• For more information about the DAP Program worldwide (in English), click Direct Aid Program | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

The Embassy reserves the right to modify these dates, subject to its capacity and in the event of unavoidable unforeseen circumstances.