Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (Angola)

Deadline: 14-Jul-22

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 2022 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 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: $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.
- Funding is limited to one project, which 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.