Deadline: 24 February 2017
The Embassy of United States in Dakar, Senegal is seeking applications for Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program with an aim to support communities through modest grants that would positively impact communities.
The 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.
The SSH program was first initiated in Togo in 1964 and had gradually developed to become one of the most visible and successful assistance programs in Africa. The SSH philosophy is to help communities ready to help themselves.
Funding Information
- The maximum grant award for any one project is $25,000 and represents a one-time U.S. Government contribution.
- However, due to limited available funding, most grants awarded are between $1,000 and $10,000.
- Grants are awarded for a one year period.
Proposal Priorities
- Foster community self-reliance;
- Be in direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community (the local sponsors of the project, who will also be its prime beneficiaries);
- Have community participation and contributions — volunteer time and labor, donated land, equipment and materials — with the Self-Help grant providing one-time basis only;
- Have a significant impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Projects that directly benefit a limited number of people will be less competitive;
- Improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level; the program should avoid financing activities with only short-term impact;
- Be viable and sustainable in terms of finance, personnel support and necessary expertise and services;
- Fall within the ability of the local community to implement. Activities that are too complex should be avoided;
- Respect environmental norms for small projects;
- Avoid soliciting multiple grants for the same project. An organization can receive funds multiple times for different projects but only once for any particular project;
- Be completed in one year or less.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any legal person or organization / group / community development association may request funding for a public utility or community activity, approved by the competent Senegalese authorities.
- The project must be submitted by an organized group, motivated, who has a real need, and has already had to deal with communities.
- The project should be feasible based on the socio-economic context and include the necessary information and documentation indicated on the form. Incomplete applications will be may not be considered if they do not include required documentation
How to Apply
Interested applicants can obtain the application form via given website.
Eligible Country: Senegal
For more information, please visit Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program.