MALO Community Grants (formerly the Direct Aid Program)
MALO is a small-grants program funded by the Australian High Commission Samoa. It is designed to support local community groups and organisations engaged in development activities to complement the Australian development partnership with the Government of Samoa.
Call for proposal rounds
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Round 2 opens |
Round 2 closes |
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27 October 2025 |
21 November 2025 |
Please note that MALO Community Grants applications will need to be submitted online, instructions on how to do this have been provided below. Enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
What will be funded in 2025-2026?
Applications will be accepted from local community-based groups and organisations and need to demonstrate a strong benefit to local communities. Priority will be given to creative and innovative applications that will spark additional development of the community. We particularly welcome proposals for projects that address or directly benefit the needs of vulnerable groups including women and girls, children, people living with disabilities and the elderly. Applicants can apply for up to SAT40,000. A small number of proposals for up to $100,000 will be considered in exceptional circumstances and with supporting evidence.
What do we mean by this?
Here are some examples of innovative projects supported by the MALO Community Grants:
- Installation of solar lights for the community of Palisi to promote security and safety for children, women and the elderly.
- In partnership with local agencies, a program to provide disaster resilience and preparedness training for vulnerable communities.
- Supporting farming co-ops by providing equipment to help grow and sustain their agricultural projects.
What projects are NOT eligible?
The following projects are not eligible for funding under the Direct Aid Program:
- Projects benefitting individuals or individual households, or commercial ventures
- Routine running costs and administrative expenses including office rental and utility costs, spare parts, routine maintenance and reports, or staff salaries
- Purchase or rental of property, land or vehicles
- Conferences, seminars or overseas travel
- Maintenance of cemeteries or memorials
- Issuing cash grants, cash prizes, grants program or micro-credit schemes.
Projects should be clearly defined and costs supported with quotations. The MALO Community Grants committee members may conduct site visits to projects and request additional information as required.
All applications will go through a thorough due diligence and vetting process. Applicants may be contacted to submit additional information during this process. Assistance is only provided where Australian or other support is not available to the recipients, or the support to which they have access is inadequate or inappropriate to meet essential needs.
How to apply:
- Enter and Register for your own Smarty Grants Account here: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/MALO_Rd1_2025
- A link to your application form will be sent to your registered email if you need to revisit your application form.
- Fill in all relevant fields of the online application form for the MALO Community Grants on Smarty Grants.
- Attach reference letters and quotes to support your proposal e.g. Village council, support letter from MP.
Unfortunately not all applications received can be funded
If you have any questions, or would like a Samoan translation of the above information, please email [email protected].
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