Australia High Commission opens funding for “grassroots” projects

By Jomo Paul

Senior Policy/Research Officer of the High Commission, Clint Fernandes during a recent session with representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations in Guyana explained that the funds will be made available through the Development Aid Programme (DAP).

iNews understands that Australisa’s DAP is a flexible small grant programme that seeks to advance development outcomes in Australia’s Official Development Assistance – eligible countries.

DAP projects are primarily aimed at achieving practical and tangible outcomes, such as poverty alleviation, community health, schools/education, small-scale infrastructure, rural development, gender equality, environmental benefits including managing or adapting to climate change and ad hoc humanitarian relief.

“We fund sustainable development projects, small agricultural projects and really any project at the community or grassroots level,” said Fernandes.

Groups can access DAP funding by applying to the Australian High Commission in Port of Spain Trinidad and the funds are limited to $30,000 Australian Dollars per annum.

“Unless the projects run for more than one year or covers more than one country in which case groups can apply for $60,000 funding,” said Fernandez.

DAP has been administered in the Caribbean region since 2005, but was first introduced in Guyana in 2009.