U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program 2024

Description

1) Objective

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.

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.

2) Eligibility

All applicants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations, cooperatives, orphanages, schools and health facilities that work directly with communities.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Lesotho.

4) Budget

Grants may range from $4,000-$10,000. Total funding is $70,000.

5) Application

Applications are open from January 08, 2024, until April 08, 2024. Applicants must submit a proposal narrative, performance monitoring and evaluation plan, timeline, detailed budget, and other mandatory forms. Proposals should clearly address the program’s goals and objectives, and all documents must be in English with costs in U.S. dollars. Successful applicants will be required to submit additional information, such as pre-award site visit responses and bank account details, before the issuance of a Federal award. Applications should be requested via email at grantsmaseru@state.gov or at the U.S. Embassy Maseru Main Gate.