U.S. AMBASSADOR’S SPECIAL SELF-HELP PROGRAM | SSH169876

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program?

The U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program is a small-grants program run by the U.S. Mission to South Africa that supports community-based, community-run projects. The goal is to directly improve local economic and social conditions through practical initiatives where benefits are visible and meaningful at a village or neighborhood level.

What type of funding opportunity is this?

This opportunity is categorized as a grant under the community development funding activity area.

What are the identifying numbers for this funding opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SSH169876 and the CFDA number listed is 19.700.

What is the main priority for this funding round?

The main priority for this funding round is economic empowerment.

What kinds of projects are most competitive under the economic empowerment priority?

The program is especially interested in projects that create or expand income-generating activities, provide job skills training, and build youth leadership development.

Is there a specific target population the program wants to reach?

Yes. There is a specific emphasis on supporting young women and girls between the ages of 15 and 24. Proposals that clearly reach and benefit this group are likely to be more competitive.

Do projects need to align with broader U.S. Mission objectives?

Yes. Proposals that align with broader U.S. Mission objectives are given added preference, particularly those aimed at improving the quality of skills development, encouraging innovation, and increasing economic integration.

What does the program mean by "community-based" and "community-run"?

The program is designed for initiatives led by communities themselves, with a focus on practical, on-the-ground implementation. The expectation is that the project is locally driven and the benefits can be clearly seen within the community.

What is the program's expectation regarding sustainability?

Sustainability is a key expectation. The grant is intended to be a catalyst rather than a long-term subsidy, so applicants should propose a realistic plan for how the project will continue after U.S. funding ends, such as local ownership, community contributions, partnerships, revenue generation, or another continuation approach.

Does the program prefer projects that can be expanded or replicated?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to show how the project could be expanded or replicated. Preference is given to organizations that demonstrate a clear path to scaling up successful activities.

How large are Self-Help Program grants typically?

The program has historically funded relatively small projects. In the year referenced in the notice, five grants were awarded with an average size of about USD 14,000.

How long are projects typically funded/implemented?

Projects referenced in the notice were implemented over a one-year period, reflecting the program's focus on time-bound initiatives.

What are examples of activities the program has supported in the past?

Examples mentioned include veterinary technician training, youth entrepreneurship workshops, and computer skills training. These examples reflect a practical focus on employability, livelihoods, and community capacity-building.

Is this program intended to fund large infrastructure or multi-year institutional support?

The notice emphasizes practical, on-the-ground, time-bound projects and describes the program as a catalyst rather than long-term subsidy. It also notes a focus on employability, livelihoods, and community capacity-building rather than large infrastructure or multi-year institutional funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to registered non-profit organizations that have been operating for at least two years.

What are the main criteria used to review applications?

Applications are reviewed using standard grant evaluation criteria described in the notice, including: feasibility of the proposed project; how well it fits the Ambassador's focus areas; the strength of financial and management controls; the level of sustainability built into the design; and the presence of appropriate linkages with the community and relevant South African government structures.

Do partnerships affect an application's competitiveness?

Yes. Proposals that show established relationships with the private sector, other NGOs, or government bodies are favored, particularly when those relationships strengthen implementation, sustainability, or the ability to expand impact.

Are linkages with South African government structures expected?

Yes. The review criteria include the presence of appropriate linkages with the community and relevant South African government structures.

What is the closing date listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity lists an original closing date of April 7, 2016.

Where do applicants find application instructions and more details?

The notice directs applicants to the Additional Information URL in the full posting for application instructions and program details.

What level of impact is the program looking for?

The program expects benefits to be visible and meaningful at the village or neighborhood level, with direct improvements to local economic and social conditions.