Programs and Events

Ambassador's  Special Self Help Program  (SSH)

In 1964 an experimental and modest self-help program began in Togo to assist communities with development projects.  This program soon grew to cover the entire continent and become one of the most visible and successful assistance programs in Africa.

The Ambassador’s Self-Help Program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. Embassy of Togo to provide financial assistance to small, community-based development projects. Special consideration is given to projects that have the potential to generate income.  Examples of successful projects include projects that produce employment and marketable skills (craft centers, livestock-raising), acquisition of equipment for technical schools or training programs, and workshop construction.  All revenue generated by the project should be deposited in a community account to benefit all members of the association.

Project funding is limited to 2 500 000cfa, however the usual grant amount is significantly lower.  Requests for smaller grants are encouraged and often have a better chance of obtaining funding. 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Every project submitted for Self Help funding is expected to:

• Improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level;

• Support high-impact, quick-implementation activities that benefit a large number of people within one year without requiring  further SSH assistance;

• Involve a significant local contribution in cash, labor, or material, and be within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain; 

• Be in direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community (the local sponsors of the project, who will also be its prime beneficiaries); 

• Not initiate, continue, or supplement technical assistance programs.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Each year, the U.S. Embassy receives many more request for assistance than it can possibly fund.  The goal is to fund approximately 10 projects yearly throughout the 5 regions of Togo depending on our Self-Help Fund budget, but we receive over 100 project proposals.  Only proposals that strictly meet the fund’s objectives and criteria will be considered. The most important criterion is the one that gave the program its name "self-help." Self-Help activities should include participation and contributions from community members, such as: 

• Volunteer time and labor

• Medical equipment for health clinics

• Donated land

• Sand, gravel, water

UNACCEPTABLE PROJECTS  

• Projects which directly benefit only a very limited number of people.

• Projects that would take longer than a year to complete

• Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair
  due to neglect or lack of money (purchasing paint to repaint a school).

• Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams, roads through relatively un-degraded forest lands; activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock; actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat, and actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals.

• Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sport team.

• Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company.
  Salaries.

• Ongoing needs for education/training.

• Computers and office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms, or folders.

APPLICATION PROCESS /SELF-HELP PROPOSAL

Every proposal must include:

• A completed SSH application available on website
  http://togo.usembassy.gov

• An estimated budget 

• Land title or authorization of land usage, if applicable

• A list of members of the community/organization and the community/ organization charter

• A copy of the identification card of the community project manager

• Proof of community funds (bank statement) and previous community contributions (purchase of materials and labor cost)

• Map to the site

Submission Period:  Applications are accepted through June 30th yearly to be considered for that years funding.   Please send applications to:

U.S. Embassy
Self Help Office,
B.P. 852
Lomé, Togo.

Selection Period:  Grantees are selected in August of each year.

If your proposal is accepted for consideration, a representative from the Embassy will visit your project site to discuss your proposal with you and the association and to verify the details represented in your proposal.  A visit to your project in no way guarantees that it will be funded. 

QUESTIONS?

By previous arrangement with the Self Help Coordinator, you are invited to visit the Development Office regarding any questions you may have, on the last Tuesday of the each month from 2pm – 4pm. It is imperative that you have made an appointment beforehand via email or telephone otherwise you will not be on the access list and will not be allowed to enter the Embassy compound.

Email: sshlomé@state.gov
Telephone: 261 54 70 (Available hours: Mondays and Thursdays 10am – 12pm)