U.S. Embassy Praia Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program
Embassy Praia welcomes the submission of project applications for funding through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SSH). If interested, please carefully review the instructions below. The SSH is a grass-roots...
79
match
Award$3k–$10kDeadlineFixedLocationAlabamaTypegrantLevelFederalOpenposted Mar 19, 2020
✦ AI Summary
Who can apply: Federal-level applicants (see eligibility for details).
The “key facts” mode pulls structured fields directly from the official source posting (amount, deadline, eligibility tags). The AI mode adds a short plain-English narrative on top, generated from the same source. Always verify with the agency before applying.
AI-generated. Always verify with the official source.
Award amount
$3k–$10k
Deadline
Fixed
About this opportunity
Embassy Praia welcomes the submission of project applications for funding through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SSH). If interested, please carefully review the instructions below. The SSH is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. The SSH philosophy is to help communities help themselves. Projects submitted for SSH must align with one or more Embassy priorities: Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation Projects must aim to 1) generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities, 2) advance economic diversification and encourage use of local natural resources or income generation, 3) promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and/or 4) improve economic or living conditions of a community. Women start-ups and women entrepreneurs Eligible projects assist women who are launching a business or who are overseeing the early stages of business development (between one to two years). Such projects must promote a culture of women-led entrepreneurship and innovation that can be replicated in the community. Projects must also promote profitable businesses that generate revenue and benefit the community. Social and economic inclusion and creation of opportunities Projects in this category must assist (particularly female heads of household), and other vulnerable groups to gain access to basic services (for example primary/pre-K education). They can also assist the creation of opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly employment for youth. Environmental to environmental vulnerabilities, and adaptation to environmental change Eligible projects will increase the capacity of communities to cope with vulnerability to drought and other environmental changes by building resilience, increasing capacity to adapt, and promoting income-generating activities. For example, projects may involve activities to improve water management, diversify agricultural practices, or provide benefits to the environment. Local Community Involvement: Local involvement of the organization or group must be at least 10% in cash or in kind of the total project costs. The community contribution of funding may be crucial to make a choice between two viable requestors. In-kind contributions could be: labor (wages of masons and workers), food, accommodation for qualified labor, carts of sand or gravel, bricks for supply, transportation costs, donations of materials etc. Additionally, community leaders can sign a statement of interest. Community leaders include local municipal leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders, or any governing body that has oversight over where the project will be implemented. One community leader can sign the statement of interest; however, multiple signatures are strongly encouraged. Community leaders may also submit letters of support for the project. Elements of a Successful Project The project is initiated by the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. There is strong coordination and communication among the grant recipient, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the materials that will not harm the environment. The project has a high beneficiary to budget ratio, benefiting a significant number of community members The project budget is well defined. The project responds to a community need and is based on a well-developed proposal that is responsive to the priorities and criteria explained in this NOFO.
Read the agency's eligibility checklist before you start — it's almost always shorter than the full NOFO and will tell you in 90 seconds whether to keep going.
Need help getting in touch with the right agency contact?
Create a free account and our specialists will guide you through the application end-to-end.