Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe

Deadline: 30-May-25

The U.S. Embassy in Luanda is pleased to announce the availability of a funding opportunity through the Ambassadorial Special Self-Help Fund.

The Ambassadorial Special Self-Help (SSH) program is a grassroots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community development projects.

The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest donations that will positively impact local communities. SSH’s philosophy is to help communities that are ready to help themselves.

Funding Information

• Total amount available for each project: US$ 10,000

Duration

• Program Performance Period: Proposed programs must be completed within 1 year.

Eligible Project

• To be eligible for funding, your project must meet the following criteria:
  • The project must help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community level and have lasting value.
  • The project must be high-impact, benefiting as many people as possible.
  • Significant community participation in the activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or cash to ensure the success of the project.
  • Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less.
  • Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The support of the US Embassy for the project is expected to be a unique contribution.

Eligibility Criteria

• All citizens of Angola who represent a group or organization of a civil, religious, social, community development, special interest, disability or advocacy nature may apply for funding for a community activity. Groups must be registered with the competent authorities.
• The project must be presented by an organized group that is motivated, has a real need and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project must be viable and based on the socioeconomic context of the local community.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The Self-Help Program may only pay for items and technical assistance that are absolutely necessary to complete 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 of a permanent nature. Costs incurred prior to the actual award of a grant will be reimbursed only upon pre-approval by the awards officer at the sole discretion of the Embassy.
• Furthermore, the Special Self-Help Program does not finance:
  • Purchase orders for equipment such as vehicles, office equipment, copiers, stereos.
  • Proposals that have a purely police, military or cultural emphasis.
  • Religious projects, unless they genuinely help the entire community regardless of religious affiliation.
  • Personal business.

For more information, visit United States Embassy in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe.