Press Releases

The 2006 U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program

March 2, 2006

The United States Embassy invites proposals for the Ambassador’s 2006 Self-Help Fund Program.  Application forms are available from the U.S. Consular Agency, Oliaji Trade Center, Suite 23, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, telephone: 22-52-56.  You may also download the Self-Help project proposal form from the Embassy’s website: http://mauritius.usembassy.gov by accessing the "Self-Help Program" button on the homepage.

Each year, the United States Embassy provides grants under the Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund to non-governmental organizations, schools, community groups, health and environmental associations and other organizations for projects that directly benefit communities in Seychelles.  We encourage all non-profit organizations to apply.

The grants, usually between Rs 5,000 - Rs 40,000, are designed to supplement funding and resources already available from other sources.

Projects receiving funding through this program should:

• Improve basic economic and social conditions at  the grassroots level;
• Support high-impact, quick-implementation activities that benefit a large number of people;
• Involve a significant local contribution in cash, labor, or material, and be within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain;
• Be welcomed and supported by the local community; and
• Whenever possible, contribute to income-generating or self-sustaining activities.

Viable projects addressing the needs of women and children, economic development, HIV-AIDS prevention, environmental protection, and anti-drug education will be given priority.

Self-Help regulations prohibit funding projects of a purely religious nature.

The deadline for the submission of proposals is April 15, 2006.