Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund
🏛 U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for local organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo working on small-scale development projects. Organizations must be able to complete projects and serve their communities within one year. Projects must have strong community involvement and create sustainable, ongoing benefits.
Eligible activities include education (improving school access), health (medical center improvements, sanitation), community water projects, and vocational training. Organizations serving vulnerable populations—including women, people with disabilities, gender-based violence survivors, orphans, and homeless children—are prioritized.
No U.S. organizations can apply. The program targets local DRC-based organizations only.
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Key dates
- Jun 7, 2021 Applications open
- Aug 31, 2021 Application deadline
- Sep 30, 2021 Award announced
- Oct 31, 2021 Project start
Program description
The U.S. Embassy has provided small grants to local organizations for more than 20 years. These grants provide the capability to achieve targeted, small-scale goals that may not be included in larger foreign assistance programs. These funds are used to addresses health and development challenges and promotes increased economic opportunities in Africa.
Projects selected for funding must be completed and serve the community within one year. Selected projects must have strong community involvement with a substantial community benefit that is self-sustaining and ongoing. Projects to support vulnerable populations, including women, people living with disabilities, victims of gender-based violence, orphans and homeless children, etc., are particularly desirable.
Small Grants Program (SGP) activities can fall within one or more of the following categories:
(1) Education, focusing on increasing access to education and the improvement of the learning environment in reputable Congolese schools.
(2) Health, requests which focus on the improvement of medical centers, community health and sanitation, and construction of latrines.
(3) Development, for example community water projects that bring clean, safe drinking water to many people.
(4) Vocational training and income-generating activities that provide a benefit to the community. There is an emphasis on including vulnerable or at-risk populations among the intended beneficiaries, including people living with disabilities, orphaned and vulnerable children, and minority groups. Projects must be self- sufficient, sustainable, and have a clear objective that is achievable in one year or less.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal/narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization registration/legal documentation
- Evidence of community support or endorsement
- Beneficiary impact assessment
Program contact
- 👤 Grace E Mbuyi Grantor
- 📧 KinshasaSGP@state.gov
- 📞 243 81 225 5872 ext. 2144
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.220 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$25,000
-
$24,000
-
$20,000
-
$20,000
-
$20,000
-
$20,000
-
$19,976
-
$17,500
-
$16,030
-
$16,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.220). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,960,292 | |
| 2025 | $42,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for these grants?
Local organizations based in the Democratic Republic of Congo can apply. Organizations working on education, health, development, or vocational training projects are eligible.
What is the funding range?
Individual grants range from $3,000 to $9,000. The total funding pool is $75,000.
How long do projects have to be completed?
All projects must be completed and serve the community within one year. Shorter timelines are preferred.
What activities does the program support?
Education access, health improvements, community water projects, and income-generating vocational training. Projects benefiting vulnerable populations are particularly desirable.
Is cost sharing required?
No, there is no cost-sharing requirement for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on projects with clear, measurable outcomes achievable within one year. Overly ambitious timelines lead to rejections.
- Demonstrate strong community buy-in and participation. Projects with weak community support score poorly.
- Prioritize vulnerable populations if possible. Projects benefiting women, people with disabilities, or orphans have competitive advantage.
- Show how benefits are self-sustaining after the grant ends. Ongoing impact is a key evaluation criterion.
- Keep proposals concise and realistic. Small budgets require efficient, focused project design.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects not completed within one year. Applicants overestimate what can be done in 12 months and lose funding when timelines slip. Lack of demonstrated community engagement. Organizations that don't show strong local support or community participation are at disadvantage. Unclear sustainability plans. Projects that end when grant money runs out, with no plan for long-term continuation, are rejected.
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