The Ambassador's Special Self Help Program

The Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program (SSH) is a development program funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID). The fund is designed to assist small-scale development projects that are directed toward improving basic socioeconomic conditions at the grassroots level. We aim to support high-impact, quick-implementation activities.  The primary objective is to help people help themselves.  Therefore, every project must include a strong element of community involvement. 

How much are the grants?

The grants are usually between Rs 5,000 – Rs 40,000.

What does it fund?

The SSH funds projects that aim at addressing global issues such as HIV/AIIDS prevention and drug use, women’s empowerment, children’s education and environmental protection. 

Who is eligible? 

Any non-governmental organization interested in working with the Embassy to achieve its goals may apply.  The Embassy prefers to help groups which serve broad-based interests in their communities.  If the group has a record of accomplishment in helping its community, it should apply. 

When to apply?

In early March a formal announcement is placed in local newspapers with a deadline for submission of project proposals. 

All proposals must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A project should improve basic economic and social conditions of the community involved. There should be a large number of social residents who will directly benefit from the project.
• The activities must reflect a community need – not the needs or desires of one person or family.
• The project must not replace or supplement activities normally supplied by the host government, e.g. building classroom blocks for a government school, providing supplies for a district hospital, etc.
• Substantial community participation or activity is required.
• Funding is limited to one project, which, once started, can be completed within ten (10) months or less.
• The proposal must contribute to community development, or be involved with a broadly beneficial, income-generating scheme. A successful proposal shows the likelihood that the completed project will be sustainable over a long period.
• Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects or for expensive equipment will not be priority projects.

The Ambassador's Special Self Help Program cannot fund:

• Project activity which are not clearly identified and described.
• Requests for assistance from individuals or private enterprises.
• Personal service, administrative, start-up costs, and credit or loan programs.
• More than one project for any organization.
• Projects involving the military, purely religious or political projects, or surveillance equipment.
• The purchase of vehicles, used equipment, or land.