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A Self-Help Program funded Daycare Center in Serowe.
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The U.S. Ambassador's Self Help Program assists small, not-for-profit, community run projects in Botswana.
The goal of the Self Help Program is to improve basic environmental, economic, social, and quality of life conditions in the communities. Projects must also contribute volunteer labor, expertise, and/or services to the endeavors. The greater the involvement and contribution from the local communities, the more likely the project grant will be approved. In the past, the Ambassador's Self Help Fund has, for example, supported counseling clinics for HIV/AIDS issues; contributed to home-based services for terminally ill; promoted day care centers for young children and AIDS orphans; purchased supplies and equipment for natural resource and environmental projects; supported income generating efforts for local citizens; and, strengthened agricultural projects in rural villages. United States law forbids the expenditure of these funds for religious purposes, or for projects that are normally the responsibility of local, provincial or national governments such as primary, secondary and tertiary education. We cannot contribute money to a building fund, nor can we pay for vehicles, computers, copiers, salaries, or other recurring costs.
Please read the Project Guidelines carefully before submitting a proposal for funding. Grants generally range between US$3,000 and US$10,000. Projects should have a plan for being sustainable once the U.S. money has been spent. Please remember that we receive many applications and have only a limited amount of funds.
There is no perfect example of a Self Help project. Successful projects, however, share similar features and should :
- introduce new income generating activities,
- promote appropriate technology or energy conservation,
- develop natural resources,
- improve basic living and quality of life conditions in a community,
- benefit a large number of people,
- involve a significant contribution in labor, materials, or money donated by members of the local community
- are well planned and ready to be implemented.
Projects should be manageable within the means of the community. It should be reasonable to complete the project within one year of signing the contract.
While it is not possible to list all restrictions, Self Help funds may not be used for the following:
- Start-up costs
- Operating costs (e.g. administrative costs, maintenance costs, rent or salaries);
- Purely religious, police, or military activities,
- Cost of purchase, operation, or maintenance of vehicles,
- When the Government has given FAP grants, Self Help is unable to consider further funding,)
- Staff, teacher or clergy housing,
- Poultry or most other livestock projects,
- Sports supplies or equipment to schools and clubs,
- Electronic and school equipment that normally should be provided by the Government,
- Purchase of pesticides
- Private business
If your organization has a project that falls within the Self Help Program guidelines and you want to apply for a Self Help Grant, complete the application form and send it to the Ambassador's Self Help Office at the American Embassy. |
