U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program 2022

Description

The U.S. Embassy Maseru/ Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that are community-initiated and involving schools, clinics, co-operatives, associations, training, or community improvement projects. Please follow all instructions below. The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) 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 (one year) to community groups that are working to improve the basic economic and social conditions of their villages or communities. Special consideration will be given to projects which: • Support high impact, quick implementation activities that benefit a large number of people within one year without requiring further SSH assistance • Are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain • Are not in any way initiating, continuing, or supplementing technical assistance programs • Are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community • Ensure broadly accessible, reliable, and economically sustainable water and sanitation services for health, security, and prosperity (not issues directly relating to agriculture or household level) • Assist special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis such as the disabled, orphans, children and at-risk youth, ethnic minorities, the elderly, female heads of households, or other socially excluded groups • Provide social assistance SSH funds can be used for: • Seeds and supplies for agriculture, except for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides • Water-related projects such as wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, tanks, and fish ponds • School equipment and supplies including desks, chairs, laboratory equipment and library items • Communal construction equipment such as brick-making machines • Miscellaneous durable goods, e.g. a stove or refrigerator for a school or hospital, or a washing machine for a clinic Small construction projects, e.g. construction of classrooms, community centers, etc. Funding Restrictions Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair as a result of neglect or lack of money Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences (such as dams or roads through forest lands) Purely religious or church projects. However, those that genuinely assist the whole community, without regard to religious affiliation, may be funded Military activities (including those relating to police, prisons or other law enforcement activities) Purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sports team Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company Student bursaries Salaries for existing positions Ongoing needs for education/training Vehicles, tractors, computers, copiers, fax machines Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms and folders Office equipment such as computers, fax machines, or photocopiers Content of Application Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered Mandatory Application Forms Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance and From SF-424D, Assurances for Construction Programs and Form SF-424C, Budget for Construction Programs Or Form SF-424A, Budget for Non-Construction Programs and From SF-424B, Assurances for Construction Programs Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (20 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 all the items below. 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 “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. Cost Sharing or Matching There is a requirement for cost sharing, matching, or cost participation (e.g. funds, material and/or labor) of 10%. Other Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Any application that is received after the deadline, is incomplete, or is missing required documentation will be rejected. Please Note: The Special Projects Office retains the right to ask for additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additional information that successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make a Federal Award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include: Pre-award site visit; Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the review panel; Bank account information; and Other requested information or documents discussed during negotiations prior to issuance of a Federal award. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Special Projects Office will determine eligibility for all applications and then each application will be evaluated and rated individually against the following criteria, listed below. The Special Projects Office strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by a review panel. The application should be responsive to the NOFO, should be original, innovative and creative. The application should demonstrate an immediate positive impact on a community need. Competitive applications should clearly indicate the number of beneficiaries and the type of support they will receive, and the funds requested should reflect the number of beneficiaries served. The project must be achievable and realistic for the means and skills of the community and must be completed within the 12-month timeframe. The application should clearly detail how activities will be carried out, and the objectives should be clear, measurable, and have a well-defined timeline. The project should show a clear path to self-sustaining activities that will continue once the grant money has been used. The project needs to be able to quantify and report on the number of beneficiaries served with the funding received. The budget should be complete and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The plan for services and related cost estimates must be realistic. After rating, shortlisted applicants will be contacted and may be asked for an interview to provide additional information or clarification on portions of their application and may be asked to accommodate a site visit. The final list of applicants will be presented to an internal review panel for final selection. Applicants not selected will receive notification that they will not receive a grant.

Eligibility

Grants.gov lists this opportunity under eligibility category code 25. These codes correspond to applicant types (state/local government, tribal organization, nonprofit, educational institution, individual, small business, etc.) defined in Grants.gov's own eligibility reference. See the current Grants.gov eligibility categories or check the official listing below for this opportunity's exact eligibility statement.

Agency Contact

Key Dates