Deadline: 29-Apr-22
The U.S. Embassy Maseru/ Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involving schools, clinics, co-operatives, associations, training, or community improvement projects.
The U.S. 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. This Self-Help fund provides small, short-term grants (one year) to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their villages or communities.
Priority Projects
Special consideration will be given to projects which:
- Support high impact, quick implementation activities that benefit a large number of people within one year without requiring further SSH assistance
- Are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain
- Are not in any way initiating, continuing, or supplementing technical assistance programs
- Are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community
- Ensure broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services for health, security, and prosperity (not issues directly relating to agriculture or household level)
- Assist special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis such as the disabled, orphans, children and at-risk youth, ethnic minorities, the elderly, female heads of households, or other socially excluded groups
- Provide social assistance
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $70,000
- Award Ceiling: $10,000
- Award Floor: $4,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Schools
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)
- Orphanages
- Health Facilities
Funding Restrictions
- Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money
- Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences (such as dams or roads through forest lands)
- Purely religious or church projects. However, those that genuinely assist the whole community, without regard to religious affiliation, may be funded
- Military activities (including those relating to police, prisons, or other law enforcement activities)
- Purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
- Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sports team
- Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company
- Student bursaries
- Salaries for existing positions
- Ongoing needs for education/training
- Vehicles, tractors, computers, copiers, fax machines
- Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, and folders
- Office equipment such as computers, fax machines, or photocopiers
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=337612