U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund | DOS COD SSHF FY23 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS COD SSHF FY23 001

The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (SSHF) is a small-grants program run by the U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support practical, community-driven projects that deliver broad, visible benefits where they are implemented. The core idea is to fund locally led solutions to everyday health, education, and community development challenges, with an emphasis on projects that continue to provide value long after the grant ends. Proposals are expected to show a clear and lasting benefit to the wider community, not just a narrow group of individuals, and they should be designed so the community can realistically manage, operate, and sustain the results on its own.

Competitive proposals should demonstrate strong community ownership and participation. The fund favors projects where the community makes a meaningful contribution, such as donating labor, providing land, supplying locally available materials, or contributing some money. Sustainability is a key selection factor, so applicants should explain how the community will maintain the project over time without relying on ongoing outside funding. The program also places weight on environmental responsibility, requiring a net-positive environmental impact and avoiding approaches that cause environmental harm. In addition, projects must respect human rights standards, including disability rights and gender equality, so applicants should consider accessibility and inclusive participation in both design and implementation.

The types of activities typically supported are small, concrete investments that fill urgent local gaps. Examples include small construction projects under 10,000 square feet, such as building or rehabilitating classrooms, community centers, basic health facilities, footbridges, or housing for a nurse or teacher who is paid by the government or community. Other eligible construction-related ideas mentioned include workshops, community abattoirs, grain storage, a rural airstrip serving a hospital, or dormitories for students who live far from school. Water and sanitation projects are also a good fit, including wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, shower stalls and sinks, and even fishponds where appropriate. The fund may also cover school equipment and supplies like desks, chairs, lab equipment, and library materials. In some cases, it can support shared community equipment (for example, a brick-making machine) and income-generating equipment such as weaving looms, furniture-making tools, or a rice-milling machine, as long as the equipment can be maintained locally and is not dependent on specialized external support.

Just as important as what can be funded is what cannot. SSHF funds cannot be used for operating or recurring costs, which includes salaries, rent, administrative expenses, routine maintenance costs, or fuel. The grant also cannot cover individual travel expenses like lodging, transportation, meals, or fuel. It excludes religious activities and any support to police, law enforcement, prisons, or military-related activities. Projects that are political in nature or that look partisan, including anything that could be seen as supporting a candidate, party, or electoral campaign, are not eligible. The program also prohibits the purchase, operation, or maintenance of vehicles. Finally, projects with negative environmental consequences are not allowed, and activities that benefit any U.S. government employee are explicitly prohibited.

Eligibility is limited to local organizations, specifically local NGOs, community associations, and cooperatives. The opportunity is a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.220, issued by the U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The funding opportunity number is DOS COD SSHF FY23 001. The application closing date listed is August 9, 2024. The award ceiling is $16,500, and the embassy expects to make about three awards. Funding decisions and disbursement are contingent on congressional funding approval, with distribution planned no later than September 30.

• The U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.220.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-07-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $16,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DOS COD SSHF FY23 001

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: