U.S. Mission to Botswana: Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program

Deadline: 1 April 2019

The U.S. Embassy Gaborone has announced an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self Help (ASSH) Small Grants Program.

ASSH program is a grass-roots grant assistance program that funds grants for small development activities that generate public awareness of U.S. foreign assistance efforts but that fall outside the structure of other established U.S. assistance projects. The program is intended to be flexible and allow the Ambassador to respond directly to requests from local communities for assistance with small community projects that have immediate impact, and further mission policies and objectives. Equally important, the Special Self-Help program is structured to encourage communities to be self-reliant and undertake similar activities on their own in the future.

Priorities Area

Community-based natural resource management: Expand effective community ownership and management of natural resources. Preserve and/or expand wildlife corridors. Develop sustainable community-based tourism. Promote the conservation of natural resources.
Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation: Generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities. Advance economic diversification at the grassroots level. Encourage use of local natural resources for income generation. Promote a culture of entrepreneurship. Improve basic economic or living conditions of a community.
Social services to assist disadvantaged populations: Assist populations which may be disadvantaged or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the elderly and female heads of household.
Youth and child development: Assist youth to gain knowledge and tools to live positively, set life goals and enhance their own health, safety and security. Create opportunities for youth, including employment.

Funding Information

Estimated Total Program Funding: $60,000
Award Ceiling: $25,000
Award Floor: $5,000

Participants and Audiences

All applicants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and have been in operation for at least one year to be eligible for funding. Proposals are welcome from Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities. Organizations with currently running projects may apply as long as they justify the need for more resources in new directions.

Eligibility Criteria

The Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program will only accept proposals from
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including civil society/non-governmental organizations.
- Established, registered grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
For-profit, commercial entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.

The following is not eligible for funding:

Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Charitable or donation related activities;
Projects that support specific religious activities;
Fund-raising campaigns;
Lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
Scientific research;
Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
Projects that duplicate existing efforts.
Staff salaries or stipends;
Purchase of alcohol, medicine, school uniforms, school fees, bursaries, or personal expenses;
Purchase of food and food parcels; and
Support for private businesses, private crèches, or public/government schools unless through involvement of a Parent-Teacher Association.