Deadline: 23 February 2018
U.S. Embassy in Senegal is seeking applications for its Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program which is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects.
The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that would positively impact on communities.
Any legal person or organization / group / community development association may request funding for a public utility or community activity, approved by the competent Senegalese authorities. The project must be submitted by an organized group, motivated, who has a real need, and has already had to deal with communities. The project should be feasible based on the socio-economic context and include the necessary information and documentation indicated on the form.
Funding Information
The maximum grant award for any one project is $25,000 and represents a one-time U.S. Government contribution.
Criteria
Self-help Projects proposals need to:
- Foster community self-reliance;
- 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);
- Have community participation and contributions — volunteer time and labor, donated land, equipment and materials — with the Self-Help grant providing one-time basis only;
- Have a significant impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Projects that directly benefit a limited number of people will be less competitive;
- Improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level; the program should avoid financing activities with only short-term impact;
- Be viable and sustainable in terms of finance, personnel support and necessary expertise and services;
- Fall within the ability of the local community to implement. Activities that are too complex should be avoided;
- Respect environmental norms for small projects;
- Avoid soliciting multiple grants for the same project. An organization can receive funds multiple times for different projects but only once for any particular project;
- Be completed in one year or less.
Priority will be given to applications that describe clearly how the project will improve the quality of life in the target community.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted at the address given on the website.
Eligible Country: Senegal
For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy in Senegal.