Applications are open for the Micronesia Direct Aid Program, offering support for small-scale sustainable projects by non-government organizations and community groups.
Prioritizing health, education, poverty alleviation, and gender equality, this flexible grants scheme empowers grassroots initiatives for positive change in Micronesia.
Deadline
The deadline for submissions is January 29, 2024.
Focus Areas
The key focus areas of the grant program are as follows:
- Health: Public health, community water, sanitation, and preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- Education: Projects enhancing basic skills in reading, writing, and maths.
- Gender Equity: Prioritizing female and child safety for economic progress.
- Poverty Reduction: Through employment, work skills, and initiating small businesses with community contributions in labour, materials, transport, or cash.
Grant Amount
Each application can receive grants of up to USD$20,000. Preference is given to projects benefiting women, children, disabled persons, and people in poverty, especially in areas facing humanitarian hardship or inequality. The focus includes the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia: Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae, along with their outer islands and remote areas where risk management considerations can be met.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Micronesia are designed to ensure that the supported projects align with the program’s goals and contribute to positive change in key areas. The eligibility criteria may include:
- Community-Led Initiatives: DAP prioritizes projects initiated and led by local communities. Eligible applicants often include community groups, NGOs, and local organizations with a genuine commitment to addressing local needs.
- Innovation and Feasibility: Projects should demonstrate innovation in their approach and feasibility in implementation. DAP looks for initiatives that are creative, practical, and capable of achieving tangible results within the specified timeframes.
- Alignment with DAP Priorities: Eligible projects must align with the key focus areas of DAP, which include education, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities. Proposals should clearly articulate how the project addresses these priorities.
Community Impact: DAP seeks projects that have a positive impact on the community. This could involve enhancing educational opportunities, promoting environmental conservation, fostering gender equality, or improving conditions for persons with disabilities.
- Capacity and Capability: Organizations or groups applying for DAP should demonstrate the capacity and capability to effectively implement the proposed project. This includes showcasing relevant experience, organizational structure, and the ability to manage project resources.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration with local partners, government entities, or other stakeholders is often encouraged. Eligible projects may demonstrate how they intend to collaborate to maximize impact and sustainability.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Applicants must adhere to the guidelines and requirements outlined in the DAP application process. This includes providing accurate information, following submission instructions, and meeting the specified deadlines.
- Transparent Budgeting: Projects should have a transparent and realistic budget that clearly outlines how the grant funds will be utilized. DAP looks for well-planned financial proposals that align with the project’s objectives.
- Local Empowerment: Eligible projects should empower local communities by involving them in decision-making processes and ensuring that the benefits of the project are distributed equitably.
- Commitment to Sustainability: DAP values projects that have a long-term impact and contribute to the sustainability of positive outcomes. Proposals should include plans for the project’s continuation or impact beyond the grant period.
Ineligibility
Typically, the program won’t fund the following:
- Micro-credit schemes or loans Staff salaries, consultant fees, allowances, accommodation expenses Purchases or rentals of land, assets, or other property
- Major sporting tournaments or cultural displays without clear development benefits
- Landscaping and cosmetic work around town squares and public buildings
- Start-up capital or seed money Staffing or sitting fees
- Household effects and personal items Fundraising, donations, or prizes
- Applications from private individuals.
Application Process
To apply for DAP:
- Visit the official application portal https://fsm.embassy.gov.au.
- Set up or access your organizational profile.
- If your organization applied before, collaborate with colleagues to access the existing profile.
- Submit your grant application after completing the online form at https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/FSMDAP2023-24. Following the provided guidelines.
- Utilize the portal to review your organization’s grant application history.
- Contact support if needed for assistance during the application process.
- Avoid creating duplicate profiles; use existing ones.
- Stay updated by checking the portal for announcements and information.
For further information, contact DAP via email at [email protected] or by phone at (691) 320-5448 ext. 110.
Project Guidance
Follow these guidelines for a successful Grant application:
- Community Commitment: Submissions should show commitment from local authorities and beneficiaries for project implementation and sustainability.
- Project Design: DAP projects should benefit the entire community, respect human rights, ensure gender equity, and be environmentally friendly.
- Priority Areas for Funding: Preference will be given to projects focusing on education, health, women, youth, minorities, disadvantaged groups, and community development.
Ineligible Costs
The following costs will generally not be funded:
- Micro-credit schemes or loans
- Staff salaries, consultant fees, allowances
- Purchases or rentals of land, assets, or properties
- Major sporting or cultural events without clear development benefits
- Cosmetic work in public spaces
- Start-up capital or seed money
- Staffing or sitting fees
- Household items and personal effects
- Fundraising, donations, or prizes
- Applications from private individuals
- Recurrent costs (e.g., spare parts, supplies, maintenance)
- Construction of major infrastructures
- International or domestic travel, study tours, offshore training
- Meeting, seminar, or conference attendance
- Activities for religious or political purposes
- Scholarships
- Purchase of vehicles, trailers, and machinery (e.g., tractors, outboard motors, boats)
Application Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by the DAP Committee according to:
- Alignment with DAP program objectives and guidelines.
- Assessment of costs and developmental benefits outlined in the proposal.
- Appropriateness of the proposed expenditure.
- Feasibility and sustainability of anticipated outcomes.
- The soundness of the project’s objectives and design.
Positive Impact
The positive impact of the Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Micronesia is reflected in its commitment to supporting community-led projects that address local needs. By prioritizing initiatives focused on education, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities, DAP contributes to positive change in these key areas. Through innovative and feasible projects, DAP empowers local communities, fosters collaboration, and creates lasting benefits for the people of Micronesia.
Conclusion:
The Direct Aid Program in Micronesia exemplifies the impact of community-driven initiatives in fostering positive change. By championing education, environmental conservation, gender equality, and disability inclusivity, DAP plays a pivotal role in shaping a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Micronesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my organization submit multiple project proposals for consideration?
Verify the DAP guidelines for any restrictions on the number of proposals an organization can submit. Some programs may impose limits to ensure fair consideration of all applications.
What happens if my project is not selected for funding?
If your project is not chosen, seek feedback from the evaluation process to enhance future proposals. Stay alert for future calls, provide opportunities to reapply, and consider addressing received feedback.
How can I ensure a successful application?
To increase your application’s success, thoroughly review and adhere to the DAP guidelines. Ensure your proposal aligns with the program’s goals, offers clear project details, and complies with submission requirements.
CHECK THESE OUT:
- Australia Government Direct Aid Program – Apply Now!
- AERA Research Grants Nurturing Educational Research Excellence (Up to $35,000 Grant Amount) – APPLY NOW
- USDA Grants a Guide to Agricultural Opportunities (Up to $2,000,000 Grant Award) – APPLY NOW
- Biotechnology-Based Program for Societal Development – APPLY NOW
- Women in Tech: Pioneering Innovation Through International Grants in Nigeria (Up to $2,500)
