Financial aid from Australia available to individuals, community groups and NGOs

Community Groups, NGOs and individuals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines engaged in developmental activities have an opportunity to apply for financial assistance under the Australia Direct Aid Program (DAP) for the financial year 2011-2012, in order to make their proposed projects a reality.{{more}}

The Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago has advised that three projects were funded in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2009-2010 financial year. These are the Paget Farm Community Library, VINSAVE Byera Bakery Project and the International Federation of the Red Cross Relief funds to offset flooding.

The Australian High Commission in Port of Spain will once again receive the largest amount of DAP funding from the Australian Government for disbursement across several Caribbean countries.

The DAP is a flexible, small grants program, funded by the Australian Government through AusAID and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The DAP program seeks to alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable development in developing countries. Over the course of 2010-2011 financial year, the program funded 33 projects across countries of accreditation in the Caribbean region.

Applications for the financial year 2011-2012 will be welcomed until 30 December, 2011. Interested persons can obtain official application forms and more information from Ms. Adele Rose, DAP Coordinator, The Australian High Commission, #18 Herbert Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, or at telephone 1 868 822 5475 and email address: adele.rose@dfat.gov.au. Interested persons may also visit the DAP website at http://www.dfat.gov.au/direct_aid program