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Australian Embassy Addis Ababa Direct Aid Program 2026–27

Australian Government – Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa

The Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa is accepting Expressions of Interest for its 2026–27 Direct Aid Program, offering grants of up to AUD 60,000 for practical, community-led development projects in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti and the Central African Republic. Priority areas include agriculture and food security, climate resilience, health and education, gender equality and disability inclusion, governance, peacebuilding and human rights.

Who can apply

  • Community groups
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Civil society organisations
  • Research institutions
  • Other not-for-profit entities engaged in development activities
  • Eligible organisations implementing projects in Ethiopia
  • Eligible organisations implementing projects in South Sudan
  • Eligible organisations implementing projects in Djibouti
  • Eligible organisations implementing projects in the Central African Republic

Focus areas

  • Agriculture
  • Food security
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Climate resilience
  • Ethiopia COP32 priorities
  • Health services
  • Education
  • Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • Gender equality
  • Disability inclusion
  • Social inclusion
  • Governance
  • Peacebuilding
  • Women, Peace and Security
  • Human rights
  • Community development
  • Inclusive economic development

Requirements

  • The applicant must operate on a not-for-profit basis.
  • The proposed project must support development outcomes in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti or the Central African Republic.
  • The project should deliver direct, practical and tangible benefits to local communities.
  • The proposal should address one or more of the Australian Embassy’s 2026–27 priority areas.
  • The requested funding must not exceed AUD 60,000 over the life of the project.
  • The proposed implementation period must not exceed two years.
  • The applicant must have the capacity to implement and manage the proposed community development activities.
  • Projects should promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.
  • Applicants should provide complete and accurate information through the official SmartyGrants application system.

Application steps

  • Review the official Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program information and 2026–27 priorities.
  • Confirm that the organisation operates on a not-for-profit basis and that the project will be implemented in an eligible country.
  • Develop a practical community-focused project aligned with one or more priority areas.
  • Define the proposed activities, beneficiaries, outcomes, implementation period and requested budget.
  • Ensure the total requested amount does not exceed AUD 60,000.
  • Create or access an application through the official SmartyGrants portal.
  • Complete and submit the Stage One Expression of Interest online.
  • Submit by 14 September 2026 at 11:59 PM EAT.
  • Applicants shortlisted after Stage One will be invited to submit a Full Proposal under Stage Two.
Global Grants Hub strategic note

An urgent small-grants opportunity for locally rooted NGOs, community groups and other not-for-profit development actors in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti and the Central African Republic. Competitive proposals should be practical, community-driven and capable of producing visible results within a reasonable budget and implementation period. Organisations whose projects combine priorities such as livelihoods, climate resilience, gender equality, disability inclusion, health or peacebuilding may be particularly well positioned. Applicants should act immediately because the Expression of Interest deadline is very close.

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