(VOV) -The Australian Embassy in Hanoi has announced its 2013–14 Direct Aid Program (DAP), worth an estimated 159 million AUD 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. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman said: "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”. In 2012–13, the Australian Embassy funded 12 projects across 11 provinces in northern Vietnam.