The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit a project proposal for its Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program awards grants to registered non-governmental, non-profit, community-based organizations to implement short-term, small-scale development projects that include community involvement and benefit a large number of people.
Priority Objectives
Priority consideration is given to income generating projects that improve basic economic or social conditions at the village level and benefit many people.
Proposals submitted by community groups, village associations, women’s groups, or any other community-based group that can show it has formed into an entity recognized by the relevant authority in the area where it operates will be prioritized.
The SSH Program receives hundreds of applications for funding each year. All submissions are reviewed in a competitive and transparent manner. However, given the limited funding available through the SSH Program, they can only fund a small number of projects each year.
Funding Information
Award amounts: Minimum $2,000, maximum $11,000
Performance period: 12 months or less
Anticipated project start date: October 2024
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be a Côte d’Ivoire registered non-governmental, non-profit, or community-based organization.
Registered non-governmental organizations, trusts, associations, cooperatives, women’s groups, schools, churches, etc. meet this eligibility requirement.
All applications must include and identify a significant community contribution (cash, labor, and/or materials).
Applicants must display sound management capabilities in the form of financial and administrative procedures that protect against fraud, waste, and abuse.
For-profit or commercial entities and individuals are not eligible for SSH funding.
Ineligible
The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
Requests to buy sophisticated equipment such as vehicles, motorcycles, computers, etc.
Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Projects that support specific religious activities;
Fund-raising campaigns or lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
Scientific research;
Projects that duplicate existing projects;
Private commercial enterprises;
Payments for pesticides, herbicides; scholarships, workshops, or seminars;
Construction projects, although certain projects, such as renovating canteens, community centers, or other buildings that involve minimum construction and risks could qualify.
