Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund

The U.S. Embassy has provided small grants to local organizations for more than 20 years. These grants provide the capability to achieve targeted, small-scale goals that may not be included in larger foreign assistance programs. These funds are used to addresses health and development challenges and promotes increased economic opportunities in Africa. Projects selected for funding must be completed and serve the community within one year. Selected projects must have strong community involvement with a substantial community benefit that is self-sustaining and ongoing. Projects to support vulnerable populations, including women, people living with disabilities, victims of gender-based violence, orphans and homeless children, etc., are particularly desirable. Small Grants Program (SGP) activities can fall within one or more of the following categories: (1) Education, focusing on increasing access to education and the improvement of the learning environment in reputable Congolese schools. (2) Health, requests which focus on the improvement of medical centers, community health and sanitation, and construction of latrines. (3) Development, for example community water projects that bring clean, safe drinking water to many people. (4) Vocational training and income-generating activities that provide a benefit to the community. There is an emphasis on including vulnerable or at-risk populations among the intended beneficiaries, including people living with disabilities, orphaned and vulnerable children, and minority groups. Projects must be self- sufficient, sustainable, and have a clear objective that is achievable in one year or less.