Deadline: 8-Apr-24
The U.S. Embassy Maseru/Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involving schools, clinics, co-operatives, associations, training, or community improvement projects.
Program Objectives
- The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. This Self-Help fund provides small, short-term grants (one year) to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their villages or communities.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $ 70,000
- Award Ceiling: $10,000
- Award Floor: $4,000
Eligible Funding
- SSH funds can be used for:
- Seeds and supplies for agriculture, except for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides
- Water-related projects such as wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, tanks, and fish ponds
- School equipment and supplies including desks, chairs, laboratory equipment and library items
- Communal construction equipment such as brick-making machines
- Miscellaneous durable goods, e.g. a stove or refrigerator for a school or hospital, or a washing machine for a clinic
- Small construction projects, e.g. construction of classrooms, community centers, etc.
Funding Restrictions
- Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money
- Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences (such as dams or roads through forest lands)
- Purely religious or church projects. However, those that genuinely assist the whole community, without regard to religious affiliation, may be funded
- Military activities (including those relating to police, prisons or other law enforcement activities)
- Purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
- Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sports team
- Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company
- Student bursaries
- Salaries for existing positions
Eligible Projects
- Special consideration will be given to projects which:
- Support high impact, quick implementation activities that benefit a large number of people within one year without requiring further SSH assistance
- Are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain
- Are not in any way initiating, continuing, or supplementing technical assistance programs
- Are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community
- Ensure broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services for health, security, and prosperity (not issues directly relating to agriculture or household level)
- Assist special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis such as the disabled, orphans, children and at-risk youth, ethnic minorities, the elderly, female heads of households, or other socially excluded groups
- Provide social assistance
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Schools
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Faith Based Organizations (FBOs)
- Orphanages
- Health Facilities
For more information, visit Grants.gov.