United States Diplomatic Mission to South Africa

AMBASSADOR'S SELF-HELP FUND

Improving basic economic and social conditions of communities by financially assisting small grassroots, community-run projects

The US Ambassador’s Self Help Program assists small grassroots, 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. Each project must help itself by giving money, labor or other services to the project.

The greater the involvement and contribution from the local community, the more likely the project grant will gain approval.

Examples of the projects funded by the Self Help Program include the building of care centers for disabled and orphaned children, children's day care centers and preschools.

Projects that have been funded in the past are still eligible for funding such as sewing, brick making and other manufacturing and farming cooperatives [We have also contributed to community water and sanitation projects].

United States law forbids the expenditure of these funds for religious purposes, or for projects that are normally the responsibility of the local government such as primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. We cannot contribute money to a building fund, nor can we pay for vehicles, computers, copiers, salaries, or other recurring costs. Please read the guidelines carefully.

Grants generally range between US $5,000 and US $15,000. After the US money is used, the project must be able to keep going on its own or with the help from the community. Please remember that we receive many applications and have only a limited amount of funds available.

If your organization has a project that falls within the Self Help Program guidelines, complete the application to apply for a Self Help grant and send it to the self help office nearest you.