Deadline: 05-Jul-21
The U.S. Embassy Gaborone announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement community-initiated development projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (ASSHF) Small Grants Program.
Purpose of Small Grants
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund program is a grass-roots assistance program that funds grants for small development activities that generate public awareness of U.S. foreign assistance efforts that fall outside the structure of other established U.S. assistance projects. This program provides targeted grants to assist small-scale, short term, community-driven projects that improve economic and social conditions at the local level.
The ASSHF program is intended to be flexible and allow the Ambassador to respond directly to requests from local communities for assistance with projects that have immediate impact, and further Mission priorities. Equally important, the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund program is structured to encourage communities to be self-reliant and undertake similar activities on their own in the future.
Project Objectives
Acceptable project objectives include, but are not limited to the following:
- Community-based natural resource management
- Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation
- Generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities;
- Advance economic diversification at the grassroots level;
- Encourage use of local natural resources for income generation;
- Promote a culture of entrepreneurship;
- Improve basic economic or living conditions of a community.
- Social services to assist disadvantaged populations
- Assist populations which may be disadvantaged or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the elderly and female heads of household.
- Youth and child development
- Assist youth to gain knowledge and tools to live positively, set life goals and enhance their own health, safety and security;
- Create opportunities for youth, including employment.
Federal Award Information
- Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000
- Number of awards anticipated: Five (5) to ten (10) awards (dependent on grant amounts)
- Length of performance period: One (1) year
- Anticipated project start date: October 1, 2021
Participants and Audiences
- All applicants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). U.S. Embassy Gaborone welcomes proposals and applications from Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities. Organizations with currently running projects may apply as long as they justify the need for more resources in new directions.
Eligibility Criteria
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund Program will only accept proposals from:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations (NPOs,) including civil society/non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Established, registered grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
- All applicants must display sound management in the form of financial and administrative procedures that protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Note: For-profit, commercial entities, and individuals are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333021