Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program

Launched in 1964 in Togo, the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program is a unique mechanism that enables U.S. embassies around the world to support small-scale community-based initiatives that promote self-reliance, foster development, and promise an immediate and dramatic effect on local communities.

Funding Opportunity:  U.S. Mission Kampala will be accepting applications March 1- 31, 2021 for the Ambassador’s Special Self Help (SSH) Program.  This program aims to support a wide variety of small-scale, community-based initiatives that promote self-reliance, foster development, and promise an immediate and dramatic effect on local communities.  Previously funded efforts include development projects (schools, health clinics, wells), projects that increase employment by helping communities develop marketable skills (village craft centers, agricultural cooperatives), and projects that focus on women’s empowerment and the environment.

 Please find the Notice of Funding Opportunity, application instructions and templates for this year’s Self Help grant process here: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program 2021 | Closing 31 March, 2021.  Applications must be received after 12:00am on Monday, March 1, 2021 and before 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.  Any applications received before the start date or after the deadline will not be considered.  Applicants who applied last year must submit a new application to be considered for this year.  Due to the large number of proposals we receive, we are only able to contact the selected grantees.  Thank you for your interest in the program, and we look forward to reviewing your application.

 For SSH 2021, we will prioritize projects focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment. All applications will be accepted, but priority will be given to those two focus areas.

 Please note: This call for applications does not constitute a guarantee that any proposals will be funded.  The number and total value of the final awards is dependent on available funds.

To find the Notice of Funding, the application and Budget annex templates, please click here:

Small Grants Office
U.S. Mission Uganda
Telephone: 0414-259-791 ext. 6421/6444/6141
Email: kampalaselfhelp@state.gov