The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program (SSH) share the goal of providing small-scale assistance directly to Zambian community-based organizations as part of an ongoing commitment by the U.S. government to support Zambian-driven development activities at the local level.

SSH funds cannot be used for:

• A project activity that is not clearly identified and described.
• Revolving loan projects.
• Projects that are partially funded by another donor or from the Government of Zambia.
• More than one project for any organization.
• Continuing former USAID or other USG projects.
• Religious or military activities, as well as projects related to police, prisons, or other law enforcement.

The U.S. Embassy will NOT provide funding for the following items:

• Any recurring operating costs such as rent, salaries, administrative, travel or operating costs, ongoing training/educational needs, etc.;
• Research, publishing materials, projects that solely provide trainings or sensitizations
• Creating, continuing or supplementing technical assistance programs;
• Duplicate other U.S. Government assistance programs;
• Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides;
• Personal training, education or travel, unless directly related to project;
• Motor vehicles;
• Surveillance equipment;
• Office equipment or supplies, such as duplicating machines, printers and computers;
• Expensive electronic equipment such as cameras
• Abortion equipment or services; and
• Luxury goods or gambling equipment.

In order to be considered, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:

• Must be a registered community-based organization (individuals and for profit businesses are not eligible).
• The project should be a single activity that helps improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level, and have long-lived value. A successful proposal should also demonstrate the likelihood that it will be sustained over a long period.
• Funding is limited to one project, which, once started, must be completed within ten (10) months or less. Grantees should recognize that funding is granted (not loaned) and on a one-time basis only. (Communities may only benefit once from the SSH grant program).
• Projects should be high-impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Projects which directly benefit only a limited number of people are discouraged.
• Project proposals should respect the environmental norms for small projects and not adversely affect protected or other sensitive environmental areas, threatened or endangered species and their habitat.
• The project must not replace or supplement activities normally supplied by the Zambian government, such as providing supplies for a district hospital, etc.
• Substantial community participation in activity is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money to ensure the success of the project.
• Projects must be within the community’s ability to plan, execute, and maintain. The U.S. Embassy provides financial support only. Requests for large-scale agriculture or construction projects or for expensive equipment will not be priority projects.
• Managers of a project should have evidence that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for any funds disbursed to their organizations. Having a bank account or establishing credit with vendors are examples of such evidence.
• The requested amount for implementing activities must be reasonable; project budgets range from US$ 500 to US$15,000.
• Successful applicants must have the ability to send one representative to Lusaka to attend the half-day grant signing ceremony and workshop.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy.