Deadline: 31 March 2020
U.S. Embassy Maseru Special Projects Office has announced 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. 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 2020 and the project period should be 12 months.
Conditions
SSH funds can be used for:
- Seeds and supplies for agriculture, except for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides
- Water-related projects such as wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, tanks, and fish ponds
- School equipment and supplies including desks, chairs, laboratory equipment and library items
- Communal construction equipment such as brick-making machines
- Miscellaneous durable goods, e.g. a stove or refrigerator for a school or hospital, or a washing machine for a clinic
- Small construction projects, e.g. construction of classrooms, community centers, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Special Projects Office welcomes applications from schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), or Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) that support community-based initiatives.
- Special consideration will be given to projects which:
- Improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level
- 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
- Involve a significant (10%) local contribution in cash, labor, or material
- 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
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=323016