Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund – Angola

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. 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 ready to help themselves.

Funding Information

• The requested amount for implementing activities cannot exceed $10,000. Project budgets generally range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Elements of Successful Projects

• 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 and is responsible for the project.
• The project is assisted by a non-biased umbrella organization, such as a religious mission or a local NGO that provides guidance and arbitration on issues when necessary.
• There is strong coordination and communication amongst the grant-recipient group, local leaders, and local government representatives.
• The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the use of materials that will not harm the environment.

Sample Projects Include:

• Water Supply and Sanitation:
  • Safe Water Access – Increase access to water (e.g., well drilling and spring capping); and expansion of water supply infrastructure, such as pumps and distribution systems.
  • Basic Sanitation – Increase access to and use of sanitation services for safe human waste disposal to protect human health and environmental quality.
• Social Services:
  • Assist vulnerable and at-risk populations. These groups include: the disabled; orphans, children and youth; victims of gender-based violence; ethnic minorities or other socially excluded groups; the elderly; and female heads of household.
  • Projects for vulnerable groups could include, but are not limited to:  classrooms construction, school equipment, health centers, storehouses, income-generating activities, local infrastructures, and assistance for education.

Eligible Projects

• To be eligible for funding your project must meet the following criteria:
  • The project should help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value.
  • The project should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible.
  • Substantial community participation in the activity is required.  Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money to ensure the success of the project.
  • Each funded project must be completed within twelve (12) months or less.
  • Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion.  The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution.
  • Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate.  Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects.
  • Managers of a project should have evidence that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them.  Having a bank account, or establishing credit with vendors, are examples of such evidence.

Eligibility Criteria

• All citizens of Angola representing a civilian, religious, social, community development, special interest, disability, or advocacy group or organization may request funding for a community activity.  Groups must be registered with the proper authorities.
• The project must be submitted by an organized group who are motivated, have a real need, and have already successfully implemented projects in the community.  The project should be feasible and based on the socio-economic context of the local community.

Ineligible

• The Self-Help Program may only pay for items and technical assistance that are absolutely necessary for the completion of the project.  The Self Help Program cannot be used for administrative costs, salaries, costs associated with the project manager, travel to and from the Embassy, or items that are not permanent in nature.  Costs incurred prior to the actual award of a grant will be reimbursed only by pre-approval of the grants officer at the sole discretion of the Embassy.
• Additionally, the Special Self Help Program does not fund:
  • Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, office equipment, copiers, stereos.
  • Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis.
  • Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation.
  • Personal businesses.
  • Scholarships, donations, or honorariums.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.