Direct Aid Program (DAP)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a government participate in the DAP call for proposals?
No, only civil society associations, non-governmental organisations, duly constituted educational and research institutions can participate.
2. Does the organisation have to be an authorised donor?
No, it is not necessary, but it must be legally constituted according to the laws of the country.
3. Is it necessary to have a bank account to receive the funds?
Yes, it is necessary to have a bank account in the name of the organisation.
4. Can the same organisation submit more than one proposal?
Yes, there is no restriction on the number of proposals submitted by the same organisation. However, it is the policy of the DAP committee to maintain a balance in the distribution of funds, so it is very unlikely that more than one project from the same organisation will be approved for the same call. It is therefore recommended that no more than two projects are submitted.
5. Can I submit the Expression of Interest in person?
No. The Expression of Interest is received online only.
6. Can training costs be covered by DAP funds?
Yes, as long as it is not a recurrent expense, and this expense is part of the project. It is important to mention that training expenses represent a
maximum of 10% of the DAP funds.
7. Can I include travel and per diems for trainers in the budget?
Yes, as long as it does not exceed 10% of the funding amount.
8. Can I apply for funding to bring an Australian expert or community leader to come and give a training and/or lecture?
Yes, as long as it does not exceed 10% of the funding amount. It is important to note that we do not fund travel by government officials, unless they are leaders in their field, as the aim is to promote dialogue and skills transfer where this is an essential part of the project.
9. Can I request that a Mexican or regional expert and/or community leader come to Australia to give a lecture or take a training?
No.
10. Regarding the promotion of the project, has the Embassy already defined a specific strategy?
Applicants should explain their own strategy for the promotion of the project. However, the use of the Australian Aid identifier logo on objects funded through the DAP is mandatory.
11. If my project has target sectors and beneficiary groups that are not mentioned in the DAP guidelines, can I still submit my proposal?
The members of the Committee will carefully analyse each proposal. However, favourable consideration will be given to projects that comply with the sectors and target groups mentioned in the DAP guidelines.
12. Are projects involving other financial entities, such as governmental institutions, eligible?
The DAP does not place restrictions on projects receiving contributions from other entities, whether governmental or non-governmental. It is only important to indicate the amount and percentage.
13. In which currency should funds be requested?
All organisations must apply for funding in Australian dollars. The amount requested should be up to AUD $20,000.00. You can check the approximate exchange rate at Banco de México or at https://www.xe.com/es/ .
14. How long does the project need to be completed?
The project must be completed within a period of no more than one year after the funds have been disbursed.
15. How will the selected projects be announced?
The results of the first stage will be announced through the Embassy's website with the names of the projects that will move on to the next stage. Embassy officials will also contact only those organisations whose projects have been shortlisted. The results will be notified to applicants and announced through our official channels. Organisations will receive the funds approximately between January and February 2024.
16. Is it necessary to attach letters of recommendation to the Expression of Interest?
No. Two letters of recommendation addressed to the Australian Embassy will be required only if your project proposal is shortlisted in the second stage of the call.
17. In case my proposal is not shortlisted, can you give me feedback?
Unfortunately, due to administrative reasons and the large number of applications, it is not possible to provide feedback.
18. What does "working with children" and "contact with children" mean, and what is the child protection policy?
Australia prioritises child protection to prevent any harm to children. We require every project that works with children (direct beneficiaries) or has any contact with children (assistants, members of the organisation or coincidentally the project includes construction work within a school) to demonstrate that it has a policy outlining how it ensures that there is no physical, emotional or mental harm to the child. You can consult the guidelines at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
19. Can I speak to the Australian Embassy and ask for more information?
Your enquiries will not be answered over the telephone. Answers can only be provided by email, as long as your query is not covered by the guidelines and frequently asked questions. The contact email address is: [email protected]