Ambassadors' Special Self Help Fund | DOS CONAK FY18 01

Ambassadors' Special Self Help Fund (U.S. Mission to Guinea) - FAQs

1) What is the Ambassadors' Special Self Help Fund?

The Ambassadors' Special Self Help Fund is a small-grants program run by the U.S. Mission to Guinea (U.S. Embassy in Conakry). It supports practical, community-driven projects designed to quickly improve living conditions at the local level.

2) What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The core purpose is to strengthen basic economic and social conditions through high-impact activities that can be implemented relatively quickly and that benefit a large number of people in a community.

3) Who runs and administers this opportunity?

This program is administered by the U.S. Mission to Guinea (U.S. Embassy in Conakry).

4) What kind of funding opportunity is this?

It is a discretionary grant offered under an Annual Program Statement. The Annual Program Statement explains the embassy's priorities and themes for the year and provides instructions on how to submit a request for funding.

5) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DOS CONAK FY18 01.

6) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.700.

7) What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

It falls under the community development activity category.

8) How much funding is available per award?

The award ceiling is $12,000, meaning awards are small by design and are not expected to exceed that amount.

9) How many awards does the embassy anticipate making?

The opportunity indicates an anticipated five awards.

10) What types of organizations are typically encouraged to apply?

Typical applicants mentioned include registered self-help groups, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and certain educational institutions.

11) What eligible applicant types are listed for this opportunity?

The listed eligible applicant types include independent school districts, small businesses, and nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status (as defined for U.S. tax purposes) other than institutions of higher education.

12) What does the program look for in proposed projects?

The embassy targets projects that are rooted in local initiative rather than fully externally driven efforts. The program emphasizes tangible outcomes, measurable community-level improvements, broad local benefit, and clear community buy-in.

13) Is community cost-sharing required?

Yes. A key feature is cost-sharing at the community level. Participating communities are expected to make a meaningful contribution.

14) What kinds of contributions count as community cost-sharing?

The opportunity notes that cost-sharing can include cash, labor, and locally sourced materials.

15) What types of projects are encouraged?

The program encourages projects that address immediate, practical needs and can show measurable improvements. Examples provided include income-generating activities, broader development initiatives, improved access to potable water, vocational and educational training, health and nutrition activities, and agricultural and nature improvement projects.

16) What are examples of outcomes the embassy wants to see?

Based on the description, the program prioritizes proposals with tangible outcomes and broad benefit, such as clear deliverables that improve services or opportunities for many community members and that can be implemented relatively quickly.

17) How competitive is this funding opportunity?

The opportunity notes that requests typically exceed available funds. Because of that, the embassy expects to prioritize proposals that most closely match the program's objectives and selection criteria.

18) What factors may make a proposal more competitive?

The embassy signals that proposals are prioritized when they align closely with program objectives and selection criteria, demonstrate clear community buy-in, present tangible outcomes, and show broad local benefit. Meaningful community cost-sharing is also a central feature of the program.

19) What does it mean that this is an Annual Program Statement?

It means the embassy issues a statement for the year that lays out priorities and themes and explains how to submit a funding request. Applicants are expected to follow those instructions closely.

20) How important is it to follow the submission instructions?

It is emphasized as important. The opportunity states that applicants should follow the Annual Program Statement instructions closely, particularly in a competitive environment where alignment with priorities and adherence to procedures matter.

21) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on November 26, 2018.

22) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date listed for the opportunity was December 31, 2018.

23) What is the overall focus of the program in terms of implementers?

The program is oriented toward local implementers and community-level institutions rather than large, highly resourced entities, and it emphasizes community-driven initiatives.

24) Does the program support projects that can be completed quickly?

Yes. The program description highlights high-impact activities that can be implemented relatively quickly and that quickly improve living conditions at the local level.

25) What kinds of community benefits are expected?

The opportunity emphasizes benefits to a large number of people in the community, with projects designed to improve basic economic and social conditions.