Deadline: 27-Jun-23
The U.S. Embassy Luanda of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of African Affairs is pleased to announce the availability of a funding opportunity through the 2023 Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. The SSH philosophy is to help communities ready to help themselves.
Elements of Successful Projects
- The project is initiated by the community.
- The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future.
- A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community and is responsible for the project.
- The project is assisted by a non-biased umbrella organization, such as a religious mission or a local NGO that provides guidance and arbitration on issues when necessary.
- There is strong coordination and communication amongst the grant-recipient group, local leaders, and local government representatives.
- The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the use of materials that will not harm the environment.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $35,000
- Award Ceiling: $10,000
- Award Floor: $2,500
Eligibility Criteria
- All citizens of Angola representing a civilian, religious, social, community development, special interest, disability, or advocacy group or organization may request funding for a community activity. Groups must be registered with the proper authorities.
- The project must be submitted by an organized group who are motivated, have a real need, and have already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socio-economic context of the local community.
- To be eligible for funding your project must meet the following criteria:
- The project should help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value.
- The project should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible.
- Substantial community participation in the activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money to ensure the success of the project.
- Each funded project must be completed within twelve (12) months or less.
- Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution.
- Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects.
- Managers of a project should have evidence that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them. Having a bank account, or establishing credit with vendors, are examples of such evidence.
- The requested amount for implementing activities cannot exceed $10,000. Project budgets generally range from $2,000 to $10,000.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.