The Ambassador’s Self -Help Fund provides small grants to registered self-help groups, youth groups, community-based organizations, and specific types of educational institutions and medical facilities.
The objective is to assist groups in the development of projects that improve living conditions in their communities.
The Ambassador’s Special Self Help Fund Guidelines (PDF 410 KB)
This Fund will not support the start of a project or activity, but may fund the expansion of an existing project.
Projects supported by this fund are expected to be completed and serving the community within one year.
Only projects that have strong community involvement, significant community benefit, and produce ongoing, self-sustaining activities are eligible for funding.
Eligible applicants are Self-Help Groups that are registered through the District Gender and Social Development Office and should have been registered and working together successfully for at least two years before making application to the Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund.
NGOs are not eligible for grants.
The Ambassador’s Self -Help Fund does not support requests from individuals or for individual profit.
This Fund will not support the start of a project or activity, but may fund the expansion of an existing project.
The Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund receives many more applications each year than can be funded.
Carefully prepared application form, as well as the inclusion of all required attachments, is necessary for your project proposal to be considered complete.
Applying for the Ambassador’s SSHF
The Ambassador’s SSHF Office, located at US Embassy Nairobi, accepts applications on a rolling-basis.
A completed application must be received in our office by the end of the calendar year (December 31), in order to be considered.
Grants are usually awarded between September and December of the following year.
Only proposals submitted on the official application form will be considered.
Please send an e- mail to selfhelp@state.gov to receive application materials.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified self- help groups may request an application form from the Office of the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (Contact information below.)
Applicants that meet the criteria for funding consideration must supply specific information to the Office of the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund:
- A complete application form
- Thorough project description
- Additional information necessary to explain the proposal, such as a site plan, design report, blueprints, building plans, specifications of equipment, photos, drawings, etc.
- Project budget, including self-help contributions and items for which financial support is requested
- Proposals for water projects must include a copy of a professionally prepared design report, blueprint(s), and a bill of quantity certified by the District’s Water Officer.
- Proposals for income-generating activities must provide a projection of all expenses and income for one year following implementation of the project, and indicate how profits will be utilized.
- Pro-Forma invoices for whatever the grant funds would purchase, including professional services
- Map to the project site
- Certificate of Registration from the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Department of Gender and Social Services
- Signatures of endorsement of the District Gender and Social Development Officer and the relevant technical officer.
QUESTIONS?
For further information, please feel free to contact:
Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund
United States Embassy
P. O. Box 606 – Village Market
00621 NAIROBI
Tel.: (20) 363-6284 or e-mail:
selfhelp@state.gov
