U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund

U.S. Embassy Lilongwe announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to improve basic economic and social conditions at the community level. Please follow all instructions below. 

Program Objectives:  

U.S. Embassy Lilongwe will partner with community organizations to complete small scale projects that create income, improve health, and expand educational opportunities. All projects will be initiated and administered at the local level and will include significant community contributions. Activities funded by the program should be completed in one year. After funding ends, Self-Help projects must continue to be viable and sustainable in terms of finance, personnel support, and necessary expertise and services.   

Example Projects: 

1. Income Creation: 

a. Purchase of income generating and value addition equipment such as looms, tools, oil processing machines, milling machines, or similar for existing co-operatives and non-profit organizations. 

b. Expansion, improvement, diversification, and commercialization of agricultural and aquacultural production for existing co-operatives and non-profit organizations. 

c. Create ongoing vocation training opportunities 

2. Health: 

a. Increase access to clean water such as construction of shallow wells or boreholes or expansion of water supply infrastructure such as pumps and distribution systems. 

b. Increase access to health services such as construction of under-five clinics. 

3. Education: 

a. Increase access to basic education such as classroom blocks or library construction. 

b. Increase access to basic education for girls such as construction of a hostel or water and sanitation facilities. 

To be eligible for funding your project must meet the following criteria: 

1. The applicant must be a non-profit organization either based in the community where the project will be implemented or partnered with an organization based in that community.  
2. Substantial community contribution is required. Contributions may include labor, materials (bricks, sand, gravel, seeds, etc.), land, buildings, or money. 
3. Funding is limited to one project which should be completed within twelve (12) months or less. 
4. Projects must be self-sustaining upon completion. The U.S. Embassy’s support for the project must be one time only. No future grant from any source should be needed. 
5. Projects must be within the community’s ability to maintain and operate after grant funding ends.   
6. Project managers must show that they are financially responsible and will be able to account for funds sent to them.   
7. The requested amount for implementing activities cannot exceed $12,000. Project budgets generally range from $5,000 to $10,000. 

Limitations/Exclusions from Eligibility 

Ineligible Project Types 

1. Village savings and loan start up, seed, or expansion  
2. Business seed money 
3. Any for-profit or personal businesses 
4. Completion of incomplete or partially completed projects  
5. Individual phases of multi-phase projects. Projects must be complete and usable at the end of the grant period 
6. Projects that are partially funded by another donor or the Government of Malawi. Funds cannot be commingled with funds from other donors, international organizations, or other U.S. government programs 
7. Remodel or renovation of an existing facility that is in disrepair because of neglect or lack of money 
8. Projects that are the responsibility of the Government of Malawi 
9. Projects that focus on refugees or displaced persons. There are specific U.S. bilateral or multilateral assistance programs designed to address these needs 
10. Projects that have a police, military, or cultural emphasis 
11.  Religious projects unless they assist the whole community without regard to religious affiliation 

Ineligible Project Costs/Budget Items: 

1. Salaries, travel, fuel, meals, refreshments, snacks, airtime, or hall, room, or office rental for the grantee organization. 
2. Any costs associated with the project manager and project management. 
3. Costs associated with stakeholder meetings or engagement meetings with the District Executive Committee or any traditional or civil leaders. 
4. Office supplies for the project manager or supervising organization such as pencils, pads, paper, forms, pens, pencils, and folders. 
5. Previously owned equipment  
6. Items that are not permanent in nature 
7. Scholarships, donations, or honorariums 
8. Contingency estimates 
9.  Land 
10.  Pesticides or herbicides 
11.  Equipment such as vehicles, office equipment, copiers, stereos, luxury  goods, or gambling equipment. 

Applications that include ineligible items may be disqualified.   

We encourage you to contact us with questions about eligible costs as you develop your proposal.  

Miscellaneous

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