Deadline: 31 August 2020
U.S. Embassy Praia welcomes the submission of project applications for funding through the Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program (SSH).
The SSH is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. The SSH philosophy is to help communities help themselves.
Priorities
Projects submitted for SSH must align with one or more U.S. Embassy priorities:
- Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation
- Projects must aim to 1) generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities, 2) advance economic diversification and encourage use of local natural resources or income generation, 3) promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and/or 4) improve economic or living conditions of a community.
- Women start-ups and women entrepreneurs
- Eligible projects assist women who are launching a business or who are overseeing the early stages of business development (between one to two years). Such projects must promote a culture of women-led entrepreneurship and innovation that can be replicated in the community. Projects must also promote profitable businesses that generate revenue and benefit the community.
- Social inclusion and creation of opportunities
- Projects in this category must assist youth, children, women (particularly female heads of household), and other vulnerable groups to gain access to basic services (for example water, sanitation, and primary/pre-K education). They can also assist the creation of opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly employment for youth.
- Drought response/ resiliency
- Eligible projects will increase the capacity of communities to cope with the effects of drought by building resilience and promoting income-generating activities. Activities can include increasing water supply quality, improving water management, diversifying agricultural practices, and providing benefits to the environment.
Funding Information
- Maximum for Each Award: $8,000
- Award Floor: $3,000
Additionally, the Special Self Help Program does not fund:
- Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, office equipment, copiers, or stereos.
- Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis.
- Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation.
- Personal businesses.
- Scholarships, donations, or honorariums.
- Payment for pesticides, herbicides, labor, salaries, operating costs, printing material, fuel, or land.
- To remodel or renovate an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money.
- Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, and folders.
- Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the government of Cabo Verde. Funds cannot be commingled with funds from other donors, international organization, or other U.S. government programs.
- Projects that focus on refugees or displaced persons. There are specific U.S. bilateral or multilateral assistance programs designed to address their needs.
- SSH funds may not be used to buy previously owned equipment, luxury goods, or gambling equipment.
- Salaries or supervision costs for the supervising organization. Contingency estimates also do not qualify.
Project Requirements
To be eligible for funding the project must meet the following criteria:
- The project should help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community level, and have long-term value.
- The project should be high-impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible.
- Substantial community participation in the activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money that is given to ensure the success of the project.
- Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less.
- Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project is a one-time-only grant contribution.
- Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate. Requests for largescale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects.
- Managers of a project should have proof that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them. Having a bank account, or establishing credit with vendors, are examples of such evidence.
- The requested amount for implementing activities cannot exceed $8,000. Project budgets generally range from $4,000 to $8,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- An SSH project must be submitted by an organized group that is motivated, has identified a real need, and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socio-economic context of the local community.
- All applicants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). They welcome proposals from Community and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate internal controls and financial systems in place.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325599