U.S. Mission to Lesotho Special Self-Help Program

About

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

• Non-Profit Organizations

• Schools

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Faith Based Organizations (FBOs)

• Orphanages

• Health Facilities

Post Date: January 09, 2024