Deadline: May 15, 2021
US Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program 2021 for Ghanaians
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program started in 1964 in Togo and quickly spread across the continent as a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. The program provides assistance to small, community-led projects that promise to have an immediate impact to Ghanaian communities as part of an ongoing commitment by the U.S. government to support Ghanaian-driven development activities at the local level. Since the program began in Ghana, more than $2.2 million in awards have been disbursed to community development projects across the country.
This program is highly competitive and funding is limited. Not all applications are awarded a grant. Applications are provided fee of charge, and there is no cost to submit an application.
U.S Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program Eligibility for Funding
- The project must be initiated by the community and should benefit the community by increasing income or improving living or social conditions. If the project is designed to generate income, it must be truly community-based and not a for-profit enterprise or sole proprietorship, and the project must have a plan for equitable distribution of any income generated.
- Applicants must be a non-profit organization, NGO, or CBO registered with the Government of Ghana, or a community association formed at least one year before the date of application.
- The proposed project should be a single activity that helps to improve basic economic or social conditions at the community level. Projects should be administered at the community level.
- The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time contribution from the Special Self-Help Program.
- Substantial community participation is required during the project. Contributions may include labor, materials, equipment, land, buildings, or funding.
- Projects must be within the ability of the community to operate and maintain sustainably.
- All projects must be completed within one calendar year of the grant award date.
- The maximum grant submission allowed is $12,000, converted to Ghana cedis at the prevailing exchange rate.
The most successful project proposals will:
- demonstrate a clear goal and impact that will benefit a large number of people within one year;
- present a clear plan to address a well-defined community need;
- be initiated and administered at a local level;
- demonstrate a significant commitment and contribution from the community;
- provide a clear and detailed budget, including pro forma invoices and estimates of the value of community contributions;
- demonstrate a clear sense of how the project will be implemented;
- contribute, whenever possible, to income-generating or self-sustaining activities; and
- respect human rights, gender equality, and environmental norms.
Who is encouraged to apply?
The Embassy encourages the submission of any eligible proposal, and will give priority consideration to projects which demonstrate potential for women’s empowerment and women’s economic development.
How much are the grants?
The maximum grant and eligible proposal submission is $12,000, converted to cedis at the prevailing exchange rate. However, it is rare that projects are fully funded at that amount. Successful projects typically range between US$2,000 and $10,000. The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to provide assistance at a level other than the requested amount.
How does an organization apply?
Application forms are available on the Embassy website here in the upper right side of this page as a PDF and Word document. Please send your completed application by May 15, 2021, by email to [email protected] or you can deliver a hard copy to U.S. Embassy at the address below.
Ambassador Self-Help Coordinator
U.S. Embassy
P.O. Box 194
Accra, Ghana
Applications must include the following items to be eligible for consideration:
* A passport-size photograph on the first page of the application in the space indicated.
* Pro-forma invoices for any requested items or professional services.
* Signed and completed application form.
* Copies of official documentation confirming your organization is registered in Ghana.
* (if applicable) Letters of support from relevant district office.
* (if applicable) Additional pages for longer responses if needed.
Applications may also include the following items:
* Detailed project budget.
* Project Implementation plan.
Do not submit original documents with your application. Submitted materials will not be returned.
U.S Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program Application Forms
- Self-Help Application 2021 [Docx]
- Self-Help Application 2021 [PDF]
- Optional Budget Template – [PDF]
- Optional Budget Template – [Docx]
- Optional Implementation Plan [PDF]
- Optional Implementation Plan [Docx]
- Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
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