Apply Now: Direct Aid Program in India
Section
The Direct Aid Program offers a remarkable chance for non‑profit organizations across eastern and north‑eastern India to turn their transformative ideas into tangible impact.
Managed by the Australian Consulate‑General in Kolkata and backed by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this initiative builds bridges of collaboration and shared growth. The program has steadily expanded its outreach, fostering projects that not only address pressing developmental challenges but also strengthen the fabric of community ties.
One of the program’s most compelling features is its unwavering focus on diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. In its current 2025–26 cycle, funding gravitates toward projects that elevate education and innovation for girls, persons with disabilities, tribal communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. There’s strong support for initiatives that equip women‑led farming ventures with sustainable agriculture technologies, helping farmers boost productivity, secure income, and enhance food security.
Environmental sustainability also lies at the heart of the opportunity, as the program favors projects promoting climate‑friendly practices and renewable energy solutions that endure beyond the grant’s timeline. Equally inspiring is the commitment to gender diversity and women’s empowerment—projects that enhance women’s health, economic roles, and community status, and that combat violence and discrimination, are particularly encouraged.
The program is grounded in clear expectations for accountability and outcome‑driven approaches. Grants, typically up to ₹10 lakh, must be directed toward direct project expenses rather than salaries or infrastructure. Applicants must outline concrete outputs, sustainable implementation strategies, and adherence to regulatory norms including FCRA compliance. Reporting milestones along with transparent tracking of expenses are mandatory, ensuring funds translate into measurable community benefits.
For ambitious NGOs, academic institutions, or community groups in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Jharkhand, and others, this program presents both a chance and a challenge—to craft proposals that are visionary and practical, inclusive and impactful.
For organizations ready to convert passion into progress, the Direct Aid Program stands as a timely and powerful opportunity to drive meaningful change in some of India’s most dynamic and diverse regions.
