Deadline: 15 May 2020
The U.S. Embassy has announced the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program to provide assistance to small, community-led projects that promise to have an immediate impact to Ghanaian communities as part of an ongoing commitment by the U.S. government to support Ghanaian-driven development activities at the local level.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program helps communities that seek to help themselves, and requires substantial community contribution to demonstrate that each project is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and community partners. Contributions may include, but are not limited to, labor, materials, equipment, land, financial support, or expertise.
Since the program began in Ghana, more than $2.2 million in awards have been disbursed to community development projects across the country.
Funding Information
- The maximum grant and eligible proposal submission is $12,000, converted to cedis at the prevailing exchange rate.
- Successful projects typically range between US$2,000 and $10,000.
What makes a project eligible for funding?
- 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, NGO, or CBO registered with the Government of Ghana, 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.
- Substantial community participation is required during the project. Contributions may include labor, materials, equipment, land, buildings, or funding.
- 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 Ghana cedis at the prevailing exchange rate.
The most successful project proposals will:
- demonstrate a clear goal and impact that will benefit a large number of people within one year;
- present a clear plan to address a well-defined community need;
- be initiated and administered at a local level;
- demonstrate a significant commitment and contribution from the community;
- provide a clear and detailed budget, including pro forma invoices and estimates of the value of community contributions;
- demonstrate a clear sense of how the project will be implemented;
- contribute, whenever possible, to income-generating or self-sustaining activities; and
- respect human rights, gender equality, and environmental norms.
Who is encouraged to apply?
The Embassy encourages the submission of any eligible proposal, and will give priority consideration to projects which demonstrate potential for women’s empowerment and women’s economic development.
How to Apply
Please send your completed application either via email or you can deliver a hard copy at the address given on the website.
For more information, visit https://gh.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ambassadors-special-self-help-program/