Apply! Special Self Help Program & African Development Foundation Small Grants

Due to their shared missions, the two programs (SSH/ADF) are combined into one application and granting process. This program is highly competitive. We seek to support projects that demonstrate a high likelihood of success through their application.

Deadline
28th February , 2018.

Programme
Grants

Value
Please note that program funding remains contingent on U.S. Congressional approval and is not guaranteed.

Eligibility
In order to be considered, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:
-Must be a registered community-based organization (individuals and for profit businesses are not eligible).
-The project should be a single activity that helps improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level, and have long-lived value. A successful proposal should also demonstrate the likelihood that it will be sustained over a long period.
-Funding is limited to one project, which, once started, must be completed within ten (10) months or less. Grantees should recognize that funding is granted (not loaned) and on a one-time basis only. (Communities may only benefit once from the SSH/ADF grant program).
-Projects should be high-impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Projects which directly benefit only a limited number of people are discouraged.
-Project proposals should respect the environmental norms for small projects and not adversely affect protected or other sensitive environmental areas, threatened or endangered species and their habitat.
-The project must not replace or supplement activities normally supplied by the Zambian government, such as providing supplies for a district hospital, etc.
-Substantial community participation in activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money to ensure the success of the project.
-Projects must be within the community’s ability to plan, execute, and maintain. The U.S. Embassy provides financial support only. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects or for expensive equipment will not be priority projects.
-Managers of a project should have evidence that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for any funds disbursed to their organizations. Having a bank account or establishing credit with vendors are examples of such evidence.
-The requested amount for implementing activities must be reasonable; project budgets range from US$ 500 to US$15,000.
-Successful applicants must have the ability to send one representative to Lusaka to attend the half-day grant signing ceremony and workshop.

Application
-The application is available here in PDF format.
-Please email the small grants coordinator ([email protected]) for a copy of the application in Word format.
-Submit completed applications with attachments by February 28, 2018 via email [email protected]; or by postal mail to:
SSH/ADF Small Grants Coordinator
Embassy of the United States of America
P.O. Box 320065, Lusaka, Zambia, 10101
Please read the grant guidelines and instructions thoroughly before completing the application form.
Visit the Program Webpage for Details