Deadline: 08-Aug-2023
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and the U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications to carry out projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self Help (SSH) Small Grants Program.
The Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The program aims to address development challenges via targeted, small-scale goals that encourage self-reliance within local communities. Selected projects must have strong community involvement with a substantial community benefit that is self-sustaining and ongoing. Projects to support vulnerable populations, including women, people living with disabilities, victims of genderbased violence, orphans and homeless children, etc., are particularly desirable.
Objectives
- SH funds are meant for activities that are community driven and serve the community at large where they are being funded.
- The most successful project proposals will target health, education, and development challenges and will:
- Demonstrate a clear, ongoing benefit to the local community;
- Include a significant contribution from the community in the form of labor, land, materials, or money;
- Be within the local community’s ability to manage and maintain on a sustainable basis;
- Have a net-positive impact on the local environment;
- Respect human rights, including disability rights and gender equality.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: 12 months or less
- Number of awards anticipated: 3 awards
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $16,000
- Total available funding: $50,000
- Anticipated program start date: October 31st, 2023
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Associations and non-profit non-governmental organizations located in the DRC;
- Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in their program field;
- Expertise and established relationships with international NGOs, other international donors, and/or local organizations will be considered favorably.
Ineligible
- Funds may not be used for:
- Operating or recurring costs (salaries, rent, administrative or maintenance costs, fuel);
- Individual travel expenses (lodging, transportation, food, fuel);
- Religious, police, law enforcement, prison, or military activities;
- Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship or support to an individual or party in electoral campaigns;
- The purchase, operation, or maintenance of vehicles;
- Activities with negative environmental consequences;
- Activities which benefit any US government employee.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.