Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros – Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund – Small Grants
Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2024
CFDA Number: 19.220 – Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund
Maximum for Each Award: $7,500
Email: SSHMadagascar@state.gov or ComorosGrants@state.gov
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo and the U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce an open competition for registered NGOs and associations interested in submitting applications to carry out projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self-help (SSH) Small Grants Program.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to assist community development projects that improve basic economic or social conditions in local communities across Madagascar and the Comoros. The program aims to encourage self-reliance within local communities by providing some of the resources they need to a good idea into action. Eligibility is restricted to local NGOs, community associations, and cooperatives. Funding will be distributed, pending Congressional Funding Approval, no later than September 30th. Grants generally range from $4,000 to $7,500 U.S. dollars and must be completed within one year.
To be eligible for funding your project must meet the following criteria:
- helps improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level and have long-lived value.
- demonstrates a clear impact that will benefit a large number of people within one year.
- has a substantial community participation in the activity. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money to ensure the success of the project.
- is initiated and administered at a local level.
- lists multiple key members and a brief biographical sketch that includes their experience and responsibility to the organization and the project; managers of a project should have evidence that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them.
- is self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project must be a one-time-only/one grant contribution.
- is within the ability of the local community to manage and maintain on a sustainable basis; Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects.
- respect human rights, including disability rights, gender equality, and under-represented groups. Strong proposals should also have a net-positive impact on the local environment.
Limitations/Exclusions from Eligibility:
The Self-Help Program may only pay for items and technical assistance that are absolutely necessary for the completion of the project. The Self-Help Program cannot be used for administrative costs, salaries, costs associated with the project manager, travel to and from the Embassy, or items that are not permanent in nature. Costs incurred prior to the actual award of a grant will be reimbursed only by pre-approval of the grants officer at the sole discretion of the Embassy.
Additionally, the Special Self-Help Program does NOT fund:
- Requests to buy equipment like vehicles, office equipment, copiers, stereos.
- Proposals that have a purely police, military, or cultural emphasis.
- Religious projects unless they genuinely assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation.
- Personal or familial businesses.
- Scholarships, donations, or honorariums.
- Payment for pesticides, herbicides, labor, salaries, operating costs, printing material, fuel, or land.
- Renovation of an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money.
- Renovation or rehabilitation of a facility, equipment belonging to the Government or to a state-owned company.
- Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms and folders.
- Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the government of your country. Funds…
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