Deadline: 25-Feb-22
The U.S. Embassy Dakar is accepting grant applications for the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program to support communities through modest grants that would positively impact on communities.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects.
The SSH philosophy is to help communities ready to help themselves. This is why SSH Senegal has adopted the Wolof (most common spoken local language) proverb “Ndimbal na ca fékhh loxol borom” meaning “Help yourself before seeking other ’s help.
Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Small construction projects (less than 10,000 sq. ft.) benefiting a school or health center;
- Community building renovations;
- Water-related projects: wells; latrines; pumps; and, bore holes;
- School equipment and supplies: desks; chairs; laboratory equipment; and, library items.
- Communal construction equipment such as a brick-making machine.
- Income generating equipment: weaving looms; tools for furniture making; a rice-milling machine. Projects should result in durable, visible improvements that improve the lives of the community, engender goodwill, and generate public awareness of U.S. foreign assistance efforts.
Any project reviewed and approved by the Selection Committee may be funded. However, it is important to note that any incomplete file will be dismissed.
Any project submitted and pre-selected must be the subject of a preliminary field visit to determine the socio-economic and financial feasibility of the activity, and also the consistency of the dossier sent in relation to the reality on the site. If the project is deemed viable, it is presented to the Selection Committee, which alone is entitled to decide on the financing of an activity.
Eligibility Criteria
SSH provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities across Senegal and Guinea Bissau.
For more information, visit https://sn.usembassy.gov/embassy/dakar/self-help-program/