Deadline: 31-May-23
The U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, through its Political and Economic Office, announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involve schools, clinics, co-operatives, and/or associations.
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.
The fund provides grants for activities such as construction of classrooms, construction of ventilated pit latrines, construction of community centers and health clinics, boreholes for access to clean water, school equipment and supplies, medical equipment, solar heating, and agricultural kits, among others listed in their guidelines.
Funding Information
- Applicants should not request more than $10,000 USD. Please note that the U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund is subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should include an anticipated start date of September 2023 and the project period should be 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- The project must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living or social conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must be truly community-based and not a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship, and the project must have a plan for equitable distribution of any income generated.
- Applicants must be a non-profit organization, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) registered with the Government of Burundi, Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) that support community-based initiatives, or a community association formed at least one year before the date of application.
- The proposed project should be a single activity that helps to improve basic economic or social conditions at the community level. Projects should be administered at the community level.
- The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time contribution from the Special Self-Help Program ends.
- Substantial community participation is required during the project. There is a requirement for cost sharing, matching, or cost participation (e.g., labor, materials, equipment, land, buildings, or funding) of 10%.
- Projects must be within the ability of the community to operate and maintain sustainably.
- All projects must be completed within one calendar year of the grant award date.
- The maximum grant submission allowed is $12,000 converted to Burundian francs at the prevailing exchange rate.
For more information, visit Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund Small Grants Program.