Self-Help Program for PEPFAR Ghana

Description

1) Objective 

The program is modeled on the long-running Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program, which has provided support to grassroots development efforts in Africa since 1990. The Self-Help Program for PEPFAR will support projects that are developed and implemented by community-based groups or NGOs for the direct benefit of members. The intended beneficiaries of projects are people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and women, such as widows, who are at risk of being drawn into activities that expose them to a high risk of HIV infection. Funded projects include income generation projects, disability, or women and youth promotion.

What projects are eligible for funding:

• The project must be initiated by the local community or local NGO, with an emphasis on activities, training, equipment or facilities that will support income generation for PLWHAs, OVCs or other at-risk populations.
• The project should be designed to be self-sustaining and not require continued support from the PEPFAR Self-Help Program.
• The majority of projects will be granted one-time funding.
• Projects that have high impact may be eligible for support for two or three years.
• The community must make a substantial contribution to the project in the form of financial or in kind (labor, building materials, etc.) resources.
• Projects must provide direct benefit to an identifiable group of at risk individuals (e.g., they should not be projects that primarily benefit a business owner who might employ some at-risk individuals).

2) Eligibility 

The project must be initiated by the local community or local non-profit organisation, with an emphasis on activities, training, equipment or facilities that will support income generation for PLWHAs, OVCs or other at-risk populations.

3) Location 

Actions must take place in Ghana.

4) Budget 

The maximum grant is $25,000 converted to Ghana Cedis (GHC) at the prevailing exchange rate. The typical project will be in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 and proposals for smaller projects will be given equal consideration. The majority of projects will be granted one-time funding.

5) Application 

Application forms are available through the Coordinator in the Self-Help Program Office at the U.S. Embassy. They may be requested by mail or in person. The form is also available on-line and at American Corners in Accra and Tamale. The deadline for submission of applications for every fiscal year is December 31 of every ensuing year. Applications can be submitted at any time before that date to the Coordinator or by Post.