Ambassador's Self-Help Fund
The Ambassador’s Special Self-help Fund invests in people who take the initiative to launch small-scale community development projects that improve incomes, environment, nutrition or education at the grassroots level. We support high-impact initiatives that will quickly benefit a large number of people and be sustainable over time. We help people help themselves. Every project must include a strong element of community involvement. We prefer proposals that cost less that $10,000 and we fund about six projects a year. The fund does not support requests from individuals or private enterprises. All proposals must meet the following minimum requirements:
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Improve the community's economic conditions and quality of life; protect, enhance, or develop natural resources; and assist the greatest number or beneficiaries possible;
- Have community contributions (cash, materials, labor) amounting to no less than 25% of the total project value;
- Be completed within one year;
- Be within the means of the local community or self-help group to operate and maintain over the intended life of the project;
The following types of projects, activities, and costs are not eligible for Self-help funds:
- Personal service, administrative, start-up costs, and credit or loan programs;
- Cultural, religious, police, and military activities;
- Weather modification equipment;
- Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment;
- Pesticides and hazardous chemicals;
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The purchase of used equipment;
- Ongoing training, school or dormitory furnishings, laboratory equipment, or the payment of school fees;
- The purchase of vehicles;
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Land rental or purchase.
How to Apply for Special Self-Help Funds
Groups interested in applying for these funds should send project proposals to the Special Self-help Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy. Proposals and supporting documents will not be returned. Groups should include the following information in their proposals:
Group or Community History
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Name of group or community;
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Copy of group's registration with the Government as a NGO, if applicable;
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If self-help group or NGO, please provide the origin, goals, age of association, size, membership composition of your group;
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Experience and special qualifications of group/community members.
Project Information
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Project goals, project location (include map), and time needed to complete the project;
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Number of beneficiaries, as well as type and amount of community contribution;
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Amount of funding requested, including the following details:
A full budget with line item cost breakdown (see below)
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The amount/value of the community contribution;
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Three proforma invoices for every item to be purchased, or service to be provided;
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Description of attempts have been made to address the problems the group/community is facing;
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Information on any special technical assistance required;
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Copies of CVs, if trainers, consultants, or experts are to be hired;
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Schematic drawing of proposed project, if construction is involved;
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Name of project supervisor/coordinator;
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Any helpful supplementary information on your organization or project.
For more information, please contact the Special Self-help Assistant at the U.S. Embassy Djibouti, telephone [253] 21.45.30.00, fax [253] 21.45.30.20 or by e-mai Djiboutiselfhelp@state.gov