U.S. Embassy in Djibouti: Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund

Deadline: 14 September 2019

The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti is accepting applications for its Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund.

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund invests in people who take the initiative to launch small-scale community development projects that improve incomes, environment, nutrition or education at the grassroots level.

The Embassy supports high-impact initiatives that will quickly benefit a large number of people and be sustainable over time.  They help people help themselves.  Every project must include a strong element of community involvement.  The fund does not support requests from individuals or private enterprises.

All proposals must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Improve the community’s economic conditions and quality of life; protect, enhance, or develop natural resources; and assist the greatest number or beneficiaries possible;
• Have community contributions (cash, materials, labor) amounting to no less than 25% of the total project value;
• Be completed within one year;
• Be within the means of the local community or self-help group to operate and maintain over the intended life of the project.

The following types of projects, activities, and costs are not eligible for Self-help funds:

• Personal service, administrative, start-up costs, and credit or loan programs;
• Cultural, religious, police, and military activities;
• Weather modification equipment;
• Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment;
• Pesticides and hazardous chemicals;
• The purchase of used equipment;
• Ongoing training, school or dormitory furnishings, laboratory equipment, or the payment of school fees;
• The purchase of vehicles;
• Land rental or purchase.

How to Apply

Groups interested in applying for these funds should send project proposals to the Special Self-help Coordinator at the address given on the website.

For more information, please visit https://dj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ambassadors-special-self-help-fund/