Special Self Help (SSH): 

This grassroots program aims at making financing available to communities, cooperatives, and village-based associations who aspire to undertake projects in small business, agriculture, health, education, and social sectors, but lack the means to fund the project in its entirety.  The projects that this program supports are frequently untouched by traditional assistance flows. 

SSH projects are designed to be self-supporting or income-generating.  This program is an invaluable diplomatic tool and generates goodwill toward the United States.  SSH projects give an opportunity for the Ambassador and other officers to travel in country and meet people and learn more about the country.

How it works:

-  Proposals are received year-long,
-  SSH Coordinator enters proposals in the database,
-  SSH Coordinator screens and conducts site visits,
-  SSH submits a list of proposals to the Embassy Assistance Committee which preselects projects up to funding level approved by Washington.
-  Embassy Assistance Committee forwards the preselected projects to Ambassador for final selection and approval.

Download the Application Form