Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SSHP) of the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa funds small-scale activities in Ethiopia that promote self-reliance and foster development.  The SSHP lends assistance to communities that embody the spirit of the program by taking action to help themselves before seeking funding. With SSHP support, communities build schools, bridges and latrines; dig wells for potable water; expand health clinics; teach income-generating skills; and undertake other activities that improve living conditions or increase income.

Projects selected for SSHP funding must:

• be initiated by the community
• increase income or improve living conditions
• benefit the greatest number of people possible
• have a substantial community contribution in the form of cash, labor or materials
• be completed in a year
• be within the community’s capacity to maintain
• need only one-time assistance
  

Funded projects typically range from 10,000 to 12,000 USD.  Each year, the SSHP accepts applications until March 31 for projects that will be funded during the following U.S. fiscal year, which begins October 1 and ends September 30. 

Click here for the SSHP application form. (pdf)