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

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 “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.

 4. 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.

 Proposals can be submitted in English or Portuguese languages. 

Submit the complete application package to the U.S. Self-Help Coordinator/ Praia Grants. Applications will be accepted in electronic format, on a rolling basis. Email all required information to praiagrants@state.gov

 Application Deadline: Applications received after June will be considered with the next application period or will not be considered. Project selections will be announced by October.

Applications will be evaluated on the following factors:  Completeness:  Did the applicant submit all of the materials requested, including but not limited to requirements in the SSH forms found on U.S. Embassy Praia’s website. Embassy priorities: Does the application describe how the project’s goals are related to the Embassy priorities stated in this document? Sustainability: Is the project sustainable in the long term? Will the project be able to continue without additional investment? Are the suggested measurements of success adequate? Need: Does the project adequately fulfill a stated need within a community? Budget: Is the budget complete, and well defined? Is the budget reasonable? Completion within one year: Can the project be completed in a single year? Community support: Does the project show strong community support? Impact: Does the project benefit the broadest numbers of beneficiaries possible? Is there a substantial impact on the affected community? Contribution and Group Capabilities: Does the group provide adequate resources and show commitment to the project? Is the group capable of administering the project as designed?

 Review and Selection Process: A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. 

Other Required Documentation/ Reporting: Groups selected for funding will subsequently need to submit several required forms, including U.S. Standard Form 424, a grants award document, and any other terms and conditions required by U.S. Embassy Praia. Performance and financial reports will be required throughout the duration of the award.

Publicity Campaign: It is expected that publicity will be given to the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program and its projects, including press and radio releases, photographs, and project site plaques that acknowledge the shared efforts of Cabo Verde and the United States. Publicity costs should be considered in the proposed budget.

Funding: U.S. Embassy Praia is not required to fund any applications. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.