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The U.S. Embassy accepts applications for the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help fund on a rolling basis. Applications must be received no later than April 14, 2023 to be considered for the 2023 cycle. Projects are expected to be funded, subject to U.S. Congressional Approval, in September 2023.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program started in 1964 in Togo and quickly spread across the continent as a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. The program provides assistance to small, community-led projects that promise to have an immediate impact to Tanzanian communities as part of an ongoing commitment by the U.S. government to support Tanzanian -driven development activities at the local level. Since the program began in Tanzania, more than $2.2 million in awards have been disbursed to community development projects across the country.
This program is highly competitive and funding is limited. Not all applications are awarded a grant. Applications are provided free of charge, and there is no cost to submit an application.
What makes a project eligible for funding?
The most successful project proposals will:
Who is encouraged to apply?
The Embassy encourages the submission of any eligible proposal from registered community groups, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups.
How much are the grants?
The maximum grant and eligible proposal submission is $10,000, converted to Tanzanian Shillings at the prevailing exchange rate. However, it is rare that projects are fully funded at that amount. Successful projects typically range between US$2,000 and $9,000. The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to provide assistance at a level other than the requested amount.
What is considered a community contribution?
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program helps communities that seek to help themselves, and requires substantial community contribution to demonstrate that each project is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and community partners. Contributions may include, but are not limited to, labor, materials, equipment, land, financial support, or expertise.
How are projects approved?
The U.S. Embassy receives hundreds of requests for support each year and funding is both limited and contingent on U.S. Congressional approval. We regret that not all projects can be funded even when the eligibility criteria and guidelines are met. Only full and complete applications will be considered for review.
Following the application deadline, Embassy staff arrange site visits to evaluate highly competitive proposals. Based on those evaluations, the Special Self-Help Program Selection Committee meets to assess projects based on the criteria enumerated and decide on funding. The Selection Committee funded about five percent of the applications it received in 2022. Funds are not immediately available once chosen, projects are expected to start in September 2023.
What does not qualify for a grant?
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program cannot fund:
How does an organization apply?
Application forms are available on the Embassy website here at the bottom of this page as a PDF and Word document. Please send your completed application by April 14, 2023, by email to SelfHelpD@state.gov or you can deliver a hard copy to U.S. Embassy at the address below.
Ambassador Self-Help Coordinator
U.S. Embassy
686 Old Bagamoyo Rd, Msasani
P.O. Box 9123
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Applications must include the following items to be eligible for consideration:
* Pro-forma invoices for any requested items or professional services.
* Signed and completed application form.
* Copies of official documentation confirming your organization is registered in Tanzania.
* (if applicable) Letters of support from relevant district office.
* (if applicable) Additional pages for longer responses if needed.
Applications may also include the following items:
* Detailed project budget.
* Project Implementation plan.
Do not submit original documents with your application. Submitted materials will not be returned.
Application Timeline
The deadline for 2022 applications to be received by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam is April 14, 2023.
Applications can be submitted at any time before the deadline. Any applications postmarked or received after the deadline will not be considered.
Contact Information:
SelfHelpD@state.gov
Ambassador Self-Help Coordinator
U.S. Embassy
686 Old Bagamoyo Rd, Msasani
P.O. Box 9123
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Please call: +255 22 229-4000, dial 0 for operator
Outside of Office Hours, contact: +255 22 229-4000, dial 0 for operator
Outside of Tanzania: +255 22 229-4000, dial 0 for operator
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