The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program assists community-based, community-run projects in the local communities of South Africa. The goal of the Self-Help Program is to improve the basic economic and social conditions of the community or village.
Preference will be given to organizations which have established relationships with the private sector, NGOs or government bodies and demonstrate sustainability and a clear way to scale up activities. Proposals which complement U.S. Mission objectives of improving the quality of skills development and innovation and increasing economic integration will also receive preference. After the US grant money is used, the project must be able to continue operating on its own or with help from the community.
In the past years, the Ambassador’s Self-Help program has awarded proposals for the creation of safe urban spaces for children, literacy projects, borehole installation projects, training for microbusiness owners, training for veterinary technicians, training for youth entrepreneurs, and computer skills development.
Organizations need to be registered non-profit organizations in order to be eligible to apply. Applicants will be assessed on standard criteria which include, but are not limited to, feasibility of proposed project, alignment with U.S. Ambassador’s areas of focus, sound financial and management controls, a level of sustainability and appropriate community and South African Government linkages.