U.S. Ambassador's Special Self Help Program

The U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help program provides small-scale assistance to Zambian community-based organizations to support local development activities. The program aims to improve basic economic or social conditions at the local level. To be eligible, applicants must be registered community-based organizations, and the proposed project should be sustainable, long-lived, and benefit the greatest number of people possible. The program provides funding ranging from $500 to $15,000, and the project should be completed within 10 months. • The program is highly competitive, and funding is limited. • The proposed project should respect environmental norms and not adversely affect protected or sensitive areas. • The grantee community must be able to plan, execute, and maintain the proposed project with the U.S. Embassy providing financial support only. • Substantial community participation is required during the project. • The applicant organization and project manager must be contactable and financially responsible.