Deadline: 30 June 2019
The U.S. Embassy in Togo has announced the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program to assist communities with development projects. This is a grass-roots assistance program that allows the U.S. Embassy of Togo to provide financial assistance to small, community-based development projects.
Special consideration is given to projects that have the potential to generate income. Examples of successful projects include projects that produce employment and marketable skills (e.g. dressmaking, livestock-raising), acquisition of equipment for technical schools or training programs. All revenue generated by the project should be deposited in a community account to benefit all members of the association.
Funding Information
Project funding is limited to US$5,000. However, the usual grant amount is significantly lower. Requests for smaller grants are encouraged and often have a better chance of obtaining funding.
General Principles
Every project submitted for Self-Help funding is expected to:
- 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;
- Involve a significant local contribution in cash, labor, or material, and be within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain;
- 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);
- Not initiate, continue, or supplement technical assistance programs;
- Whenever possible, contribute to income-generating or self sustaining activities.
Selection Criteria
Each year, the U.S. Embassy receives many more requests for assistance than it can fund. The goal is to fund projects throughout the five regions of Togo depending on that year’s Self-Help Fund budget. Only proposals that strictly meet the fund’s objectives and criteria will be considered. The most important criterion is the one that gave the program its name: Self-Help activities should include participation and contributions from community members, such as:
- Volunteer time and labor
- Medical equipment for health clinics
- Donated land
- Sand, gravel, water
SSH funds cannot be used for:
- Construction activities.
- Projects that directly benefit only a very limited number of people.
- Projects that would take longer than a year to complete.
- Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair due to neglect or lack of money.
- Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences (such as dams or roads through forest lands).
- Religious or military activities (including those relating to police, prisons or other law enforcement activities.
- Surveillance equipment.
- Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sport team.
- Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company.
- Salaries
- Ongoing needs for education/training.
- Computers and office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, or folders.
How to Apply
- Every proposal must include:
- A completed SSH application available in English or French.
- An estimated budget
- Land title or authorization of land usage, if applicable
- A list of members of the community/organization and the community/organization charter
- A copy of the identification card of the community project manager
- Proof of community funds (bank statement) and previous community contributions (purchase of materials and labor cost)
- Map to the site
- Interested applicants can apply via given website.
For more information, please visit https://tg.usembassy.gov/embassy/funding-opportunities/development-assistance-programs/