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U.S. Embassy Praia Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program

U.S. Mission to Cape Verde · Opportunity AFPRA-20-04

Who can apply

• Others

An SSH project must be submitted by an organized group that is motivated, has identified a real need, and has already successfully implemented projects in the community. The project should be feasible and based on the socio-economic context of the local community. Organizational Requirements: All applicants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). We welcome proposals from Community and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate internal controls and financial systems in place. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must also have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. To be eligible for funding the project must meet the following criteria: The project should help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community level and have long-term value. The project should be high impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Substantial community participation in the activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money that is given to ensure the success of the project. [See the section below on “Local Community Involvement”]. Funding is limited to one project, which must be completed within twelve (12) months or less. Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project is a one-time-only grant contribution. Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects, or for expensive equipment are not considered priority projects. Managers of a project should have proof that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them. Having a bank account, or establishing credit with vendors, are examples

About this opportunity

U.S. Embassy Praia welcomes the submission of project applications for funding through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SSH). If interested, please carefully review the instructions below. The SSH is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the Special Self-Help Program is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. The SSH philosophy is to help communities help themselves. Projects submitted for SSH must align with one or more U.S. Embassy priorities: Economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation Projects must aim to 1) generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in local communities, 2) advance economic diversification and encourage use of local natural resources or income generation, 3) promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and/or 4) improve economic or living conditions of a community. Women start-ups and women entrepreneurs Eligible projects assist women who are launching a business or who are overseeing the early stages of business development (between one to two years). Such projects must promote a culture of women-led entrepreneurship and innovation that can be replicated in the community. Projects must also promote profitable businesses that generate revenue and benefit the community. Social and economic inclusion and creation of opportunities Projects in this category must assist youth, children, women (particularly female heads of household), and other vulnerable groups to gain access to basic services (for example water, sanitation, and primary/pre-K education). They can also assist the creation of opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly employment for youth. Environmental protection, sustainability, resilience to environmental vulnerabilities, and adaptation to environmental change Eligible projects will increase the capacity of communities to cope with vulnerability to drought and other environmental changes by building resilience, increasing capacity to adapt, and promoting income-generating activities. For example, projects may involve activities to improve water management, diversify agricultural practices, or provide benefits to the environment. Local Community Involvement: Local involvement of the organization or group must be at least 10% in cash or in kind of the total project costs. The community contribution of funding may be crucial to make a choice between two viable requestors. In-kind contributions could be: labor (wages of masons and workers), food, accommodation for qualified labor, carts of sand or gravel, bricks for construction, sand, fence, water supply, transportation costs, donations of materials etc. Additionally, community leaders can sign a statement of interest. Community leaders include local municipal leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders, or any governing body that has oversight over where the project will be implemented. One community leader can sign the statement of interest; however, multiple signatures are strongly encouraged. Community leaders may also submit letters of support for the project. Elements of a Successful Project The project is initiated by the community. The project plan contains pre-established long-term goals and a coherent plan to keep the project running in the future. A capable project manager who is a long-term resident in the community is responsible for the project. There is strong coordination and communication among the grant recipient, local leaders, and local government representatives. The project makes use of materials and supplies that can be maintained by the community, and the materials that will not harm the environment. The project has a high beneficiary to budget ratio, benefiting a significant number of community members The project budget is clear, complete, and well defined. The project responds to a community need and is based on a well-developed proposal that is responsive to the priorities and criteria explained in this NOFO. Project activities and results show long-term sustainability. Application Documents and Procedures 1. Applications for Special Self-Help Funds should include the following: a. Completed SSH form, which can be downloaded here. b. Detailed building plan with dimensions (if necessary/ if small-scale construction envisioned in the project proposal). c. Project location (include map if available). d. Any additional information/literature you have about your organization and/or project. 2. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms · SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) · SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) The forms can be downloaded from grants.gov. Instructions are available on the Embassy website at the grant support resources toolkit 3. Make sure that the below is addressed in your SSH form, or submit the following: Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (3 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The

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