Ambassadors' Special Self Help Fund

Department Of State

The U.S. Ambassadors' Special Self-Help program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. This Self-Help fund provides small, short-term grants to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their communities. Special Self-Help projects help to improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community, or village level, and have long-liv

Jargon-free version

Helps communities improve facilities like schools and health clinics. Provides grants for construction, equipment, and clean water access.

Quick Facts

Funding
$42,000 - $1,960,292
Deadline
Rolling
Status
Rolling Intake
Category
Regional & Community Development
Organization
Department Of State

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What Is This Program?

The program provides grants for activities such as expansion of classrooms, construction of ventilated pit latrines, improvement of community centers and health clinics, boreholes for access to clean water, school equipment and supplies, solar heating, and agricultural kits, and more.

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๐Ÿ† Detailed Application Guide

๐Ÿ“‹What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

๐Ÿ“Steps to Apply
  • Submit a proposal outlining the project and its objectives.
  • Provide a budget detailing the financial requirements.
  • Include any necessary supporting documents as specified in the guidelines.
  • Submit the completed application by the deadline.
๐ŸŒApplication Portal
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-foreign-assistance-humanitarian-affairs-and-religious-freedom/
๐Ÿ“คSubmission Method
online
๐Ÿ“…Key Dates
TBDApplication Deadline
๐Ÿ”„Intake Type
fixed-deadline

๐Ÿ“„What Documents Are Required?

โœ…Required Documents
  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
  • SF-424B (Assurances)
  • Project Narrative
  • Budget Narrative
๐Ÿ“Format Requirements
PDF only, max 10MB

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๐Ÿ’ฐWhat Expenses Are Eligible?

๐ŸงพEligible Expenses
  • community development projects
  • income-generating activities
  • education initiatives
  • health programs
๐ŸšซIneligible Expenses
  • luxury items
  • personal expenses
  • political activities
๐Ÿ“Expense Caps
Administrative costs capped at 10%
๐Ÿ’ณPayment Model
reimbursement
โชRetroactive Expenses Eligible
No

๐ŸคIs Matching Funding Required?

๐Ÿ“ŠWhat Are the Reporting Requirements?

๐Ÿ—“๏ธReporting Frequency
annual
๐Ÿ“‘Reporting Requirements
  • performance progress report
  • SF-425 Federal Financial Report
๐Ÿ”Audit Requirements
OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards.
๐Ÿ“ขBranding Requirements
Acknowledgment of federal funding is required in all materials produced with grant funds.
๐Ÿ—„๏ธRecord Retention Period
3 years post-final-report

How Do I Apply?

davidsontl@state.gov
202-647-5774

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.

This program offers funding up to $1,960,292 (minimum $42,000).

This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

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