VietNamNet Bridge – The Australian Embassy in Hanoi has announced its 2013–14 Direct Aid Program (DAP), worth an estimated AUD159.1 million to targeted northern and central provinces.

DAP provides grants for small-scale development projects aimed at alleviating hardship and advancing development outcomes in Vietnam’s disadvantaged communities. The funding is available to eligible individuals, community groups, NGOs, academic institutions, libraries, museums, and other organisations engaged in development activities in Vietnam on a not-for-profit basis.

Once expressions of interest have been assessed, shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit full applications.  The deadline for initial expressions of interest is 5:00PM on August 23, 2013.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman has encouraged anyone interested to apply. “Simple projects funded through DAP can make a real difference to living standards in disadvantaged communities.  DAP projects help to support poverty elimination, education, health, people with disabilities, environmental protection, and sanitation,” he said.

In 2012–13, the Australian Embassy funded 12 projects across the 11 Vietnamese provinces of Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Thai Binh, Ninh Binh, Bac Kan, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Binh, Son La, and Quang Tri.

Source: VOV