Ambassador's Special Self Help Program
The Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund was created by the Agency for International Development to demonstrate the United States Government’s interest in the welfare of local communities in developing countries. The funding is a gift from the people of the United States to the people of Zimbabwe. This program is designed to aid those organizations and communities at a grassroots level that are willing to help themselves. The greater the involvement and contribution from the local community and the more people the project will benefit, the better its chances to qualify for assistance. Projects will be judged on merit, sustainability, and how they compare to the other submitted proposals.
The most important factor in the success of a project is the leadership. A dynamic, skilled and proactive leader with experienced training in the project area dramatically improves the chance for successful completion. Community involvement (such as labor provided) is imperative to the success of a project.
Also extremely useful is the support and assistance of the local officials, i.e. the Chief, rural district council, local city council, or AGRITEX
Program Priorities
- Women/Children/Orphan’s Projects
- HIV/AIDS Related Projects
- Income Generation
- Water Development
Examples of Acceptable Projects Women/Children/Orphans—Schools, Crèches, Orphanages, Craft centers, Dormitories, Toilets, Shower stalls, and Fencing (small construction, equipment and furnishings)
HIV/AIDS Related Projects—Crisis centers, Health facilities, Shelters, Housing for nurses (small construction, equipment and furnishings)
Income Generation—Grinding mills, Carpentry, Welding, Weaving, Sewing, Work shops etc… (small construction, equipment and machinery)
Water Development—Boreholes, Irrigation, Water storage, Reticulation, Fencing, etc…
Note: Projects must have diverse membership (no single families) and must be already established and functioning.
Unacceptable Projects - Start-up funds/loans, cash, stand or property purchases
Personal/individual/single family enterprises
School fees, exam fees, or uniforms Operating costs, i.e. rent, salaries, labor
Office equipment or supplies
Computers, sports equipment, musical instruments
Projects of a purely political, military, or religious nature
Cultural, drama, dance, or theater groups
Purchase of animals, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
Activities with negative environmental consequences
Repairs due to neglect or lack of money
Vehicles
How to apply for funding Have a Planning Meeting with your group to discuss exactly what the project needs and for which items the group will apply. Your request must be precise and detailed.
Remember that this is to be a self-help effort, your group must be able to contribute a substantial part to the final goal. The project you propose must also be one that can be completed within a reasonable amount of time.
Write Your Application Proposal describing as much as you can about your project and community and how the project will benefit the group. Explain in detail what you are currently doing to earn income, if you are an income generation project. Be very specific about what you want to purchase if you receive a grant. If we agree to fund your proposal, we will pay the suppliers directly for the exact amount of the cost of the items requested.
Map and Letters of Support are also needed with your project proposal. Please provide a hand drawn map or explicit written directions of how to reach the project. It is important for us to know that your local officials support you. Please provide letters of support from various officials.
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Ambassador's Self Help Program
Ambassador James D. McGee
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