Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF 2023
The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone is offering small grants through the Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (ASSHF), a long-running, grassroots program designed to support practical, community-initiated development projects across Botswana. The central idea is to fund short-term projects that can quickly improve local economic and social conditions while also reinforcing U.S. Mission priorities. This program is built around the expectation that communities take the lead: projects should be well planned, ready to start, and able to keep operating after the grant ends without relying on continued outside funding. In other words, the Embassy is looking for proposals that solve an immediate community problem and leave behind something durable, useful, and locally owned.
ASSHF is aimed at registered organizations that can show real community backing and the ability to manage funds responsibly. Before a proposal is submitted, applicants must secure approval from the appropriate local structures, such as the local development committee and relevant local authorities (including town and/or district councils). Competitive applications will demonstrate strong ties to the community and support from government bodies, plus a clear sign of local commitment. That commitment must be tangible: the recipient organization is expected to contribute to the project either through cash contributions or in-kind support such as labor, materials, or supplies. Applicants also need to be able to show they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring procedures, since the Embassy will expect proper oversight and accountability for grant funds.
The types of projects the Embassy will consider fall into several broad categories. One major focus is economic diversification, including small business creation and other income-generating activities that can expand employment and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. This can include efforts that make smart use of local natural resources for livelihoods, the purchase of income-generating equipment, and other interventions that directly improve the basic economic or living conditions of a community. A second set of priorities centers on social services that support disadvantaged or at-risk populations, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, and female-headed households. Under this category, proposals may include constructing or furnishing community-initiated health facilities or clinics, and water and sanitation projects such as latrines, wells, pumps, and boreholes. The program also supports community-based natural resource management, including strengthening community ownership and management of natural resources, preserving or expanding wildlife corridors, building sustainable community-based tourism, and promoting conservation. Another eligible area is youth and child development, such as helping youth build life skills and improve health, safety, and security; purchasing school equipment, furnishings, and books; constructing classrooms or community centers; and creating opportunities for youth, including pathways to employment.
In terms of funding and timing, the Embassy anticipates making roughly five to ten awards, depending on the size of individual grants. Award amounts range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000. The performance period is one year, and projects are expected to be completed in 12 months or less. The anticipated project start date for this cycle was October 1, 2023, and funding is provided as a grant under Economic Support Funds authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act.
The application package is fairly structured and emphasizes clarity and readiness to implement. Applicants must submit mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B), which are available for free through Grants.gov or the U.S. Embassy Gaborone website. These forms must be completed, printed, signed, and scanned together into a single PDF as part of the application. In addition, applicants must include a summary coversheet listing basic details (organization name, proposal date, program title, proposed start and end dates, and a brief purpose statement). The core narrative proposal is limited to five pages and must be in English, with budgets presented in U.S. dollars. Formatting requirements include numbered pages and single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font with at least 1-inch margins.
Within those five pages, the Embassy expects applicants to clearly explain what they want to do and how it will work, even for a reviewer who has no prior knowledge of the community or the project. Required sections include a proposal summary (with objectives, community involvement and contributions, expected impact, and the number of female and male beneficiaries), an organizational background (including any prior U.S. Embassy or U.S. government funding), a problem statement grounded in clear evidence, and defined program goals and measurable objectives. Applicants must outline activities, methods and design, and a realistic schedule. Proposals must also identify key personnel with roles and qualifications, describe any partners or sub-awardees, and present a monitoring and evaluation plan that explains how progress will be tracked and success assessed. Finally, the proposal must address sustainability by explaining how benefits will continue after the grant period ends. A separate budget justification narrative is required to explain each cost line in detail, and applicants should consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for any additional required attachments.
Applications for this funding cycle could be submitted on a rolling basis up to the closing deadline of August 4, 2023, after which submissions would not be considered. Applications must be submitted in English and can be sent by email to SSHBotswana@state.gov, mailed to the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone (ATTN: Small Grants Coordinator, ASSHF Program, P.O. Box 90, Gaborone), or hand-delivered to the Embassy at the Government Enclave in Gaborone with the same attention line.
The selection process begins with a preliminary screening by the Small Grants Office to confirm the application is complete and technically eligible. If a proposal clears that stage, the Coordinator may arrange a site visit or meeting to discuss the project and assess the organization’s capacity. Eligible proposals then go to the Embassy Small Grants Committee, which reviews and recommends projects for funding, with final approval made by the Ambassador. Applicants are notified of their status after review.
If selected, the award is formalized through a written grant agreement signed and issued by a Grants Officer (and administered by the Grants Officer or a representative). Organizations are not allowed to start spending grant funds until the official start date shown on the signed award document. The Embassy also makes clear that selection does not guarantee any future or additional funding beyond the award; extensions or increases are discretionary. As with typical federal opportunities, issuing the announcement does not commit the U.S. government to make an award or reimburse proposal preparation costs, and the government reserves the right to reject any or all applications. Recipients must be prepared to comply with relevant federal regulations and U.S. Department of State standard terms and conditions (including multiple 2 CFR parts and State Department standard award requirements). For application-process questions, the Embassy directs applicants to contact the Small Grants Office at SSHBotswana@state.gov or call (267) 373-2325.Apply for DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF 2023
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Botswana in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana - Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund Program (ASSHF)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.220.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 16, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 04, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (ASSHF) - U.S. Embassy Gaborone
1) What is the Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (ASSHF)?
ASSHF is a small-grants program run by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone that supports practical, community-initiated development projects across Botswana. It is designed for short-term projects that can quickly improve local economic and social conditions while aligning with U.S. Mission priorities.
2) What kind of projects does ASSHF want to fund?
ASSHF is focused on grassroots projects that address an immediate community problem and leave behind a durable, useful result that the community can keep operating after the grant ends, without relying on continued outside funding.
3) Who is eligible to apply for an ASSHF grant?
The opportunity is aimed at registered organizations that can demonstrate real community backing and the capacity to manage grant funds responsibly, including adequate internal controls and financial monitoring procedures.
4) Does the community need to be involved in the project?
Yes. The program is built around the expectation that communities take the lead. Competitive applications show strong ties to the community, evidence of local support, and tangible community commitment to the project.
5) Do applicants need approval from local authorities before applying?
Yes. Before submitting a proposal, applicants must secure approval from the appropriate local structures, such as the local development committee and relevant local authorities, including town and/or district councils.
6) Does the applicant organization need to contribute to the project?
Yes. The recipient organization is expected to contribute either cash or in-kind support (for example, labor, materials, or supplies). This tangible contribution is part of demonstrating local commitment.
7) What funding amount is available per award?
Award amounts range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000 (USD).
8) How many awards will be made?
The Embassy anticipated making roughly five to ten awards, depending on the size of the individual grants.
9) How long is the grant performance period?
The performance period is one year, and projects are expected to be completed in 12 months or less.
10) When was the anticipated project start date for this cycle?
The anticipated start date for this cycle was October 1, 2023.
11) What are the main project categories the Embassy will consider?
The Embassy will consider proposals in several broad categories, including: economic diversification; social services for disadvantaged or at-risk populations; community-based natural resource management; and youth and child development.
12) What is included under the economic diversification category?
Economic diversification includes small business creation and other income-generating activities, efforts that use local natural resources for livelihoods, purchase of income-generating equipment, and other interventions that directly improve basic economic or living conditions.
13) What is included under the social services priority area?
This area supports services for disadvantaged or at-risk populations, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, and female-headed households. It may include constructing or furnishing community-initiated health facilities or clinics, and water and sanitation projects such as latrines, wells, pumps, and boreholes.
14) What is included under community-based natural resource management?
This category includes strengthening community ownership and management of natural resources, preserving or expanding wildlife corridors, building sustainable community-based tourism, and promoting conservation.
15) What is included under youth and child development?
This can include helping youth build life skills and improve health, safety, and security; purchasing school equipment, furnishings, and books; constructing classrooms or community centers; and creating opportunities for youth, including pathways to employment.
16) What is the source of funds for this grant program?
Funding is provided as a grant under Economic Support Funds authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act.
17) Is the application submitted on a rolling basis?
For this funding cycle, applications could be submitted on a rolling basis up to the closing deadline.
18) What was the closing deadline for this funding cycle?
The closing deadline stated was August 4, 2023. Submissions after that date would not be considered.
19) What language must the application be submitted in?
Applications must be submitted in English.
20) What currency should be used for the budget?
Budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars (USD).
21) What mandatory federal forms are required?
Applicants must submit SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B as mandatory forms.
22) Where can applicants get the required SF forms?
The forms are available for free through Grants.gov or the U.S. Embassy Gaborone website.
23) How should the SF forms be prepared and included in the application?
The forms must be completed, printed, signed, and scanned together into a single PDF as part of the application.
24) Is a coversheet required? What should it include?
Yes. Applicants must include a summary coversheet listing the organization name, proposal date, program title, proposed start and end dates, and a brief purpose statement.
25) How long can the narrative proposal be?
The narrative proposal is limited to five pages.
26) What formatting rules apply to the narrative proposal?
The proposal must be in English and formatted with numbered pages, single-spaced text, 12-point Times New Roman font, and at least 1-inch margins.
27) What should the proposal summary include?
The proposal summary should include objectives, community involvement and contributions, expected impact, and the number of female and male beneficiaries.
28) What should be included in the organizational background section?
The organizational background should describe the organization and include whether it has received any prior U.S. Embassy or U.S. government funding.
29) What is required in the problem statement?
The problem statement must be grounded in clear evidence.
30) What level of detail is expected about goals and objectives?
Applicants must include defined program goals and measurable objectives.
31) Do applicants need to provide a project work plan or schedule?
Yes. Proposals must outline activities, methods and design, and include a realistic schedule.
32) Do applicants need to identify key personnel?
Yes. Proposals must identify key personnel, including their roles and qualifications.
33) Are partners or sub-awardees allowed, and must they be described?
The proposal should describe any partners or sub-awardees.
34) Is monitoring and evaluation (M&E) required?
Yes. The application must include a monitoring and evaluation plan describing how progress will be tracked and how success will be assessed.
35) Is sustainability addressed in the proposal?
Yes. The proposal must explain sustainability, including how the benefits will continue after the grant period ends.
36) Is a budget justification required?
Yes. A separate budget justification narrative is required to explain each cost line in detail.
37) Are there any additional required attachments beyond what is listed?
Applicants are instructed to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for any additional required attachments.
38) How can applications be submitted?
Applications can be submitted by email, by mail, or by hand delivery to the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone.
39) What email address should applications be sent to?
Applications can be emailed to SSHBotswana@state.gov.
40) What is the mailing address for submitting an application?
Applications can be mailed to: U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, ATTN: Small Grants Coordinator, ASSHF Program, P.O. Box 90, Gaborone.
41) Where can applicants hand-deliver applications?
Applications can be hand-delivered to the U.S. Embassy at the Government Enclave in Gaborone, using the same attention line: ATTN: Small Grants Coordinator, ASSHF Program.
42) What happens after an application is submitted?
The selection process begins with a preliminary screening by the Small Grants Office to confirm the application is complete and technically eligible.
43) Could the Embassy conduct a site visit or meeting during review?
Yes. If a proposal clears preliminary screening, the Coordinator may arrange a site visit or meeting to discuss the project and assess the organization's capacity.
44) Who makes the funding recommendation and final approval decision?
Eligible proposals go to the Embassy Small Grants Committee for review and recommendation, and final approval is made by the Ambassador.
45) How will applicants learn whether they were selected?
Applicants are notified of their status after review.
46) If selected, how is the award finalized?
If selected, the award is formalized through a written grant agreement signed and issued by a Grants Officer, and administered by the Grants Officer or a representative.
47) Can an organization start spending grant funds before the award start date?
No. Organizations are not allowed to start spending grant funds until the official start date shown on the signed award document.
48) Does receiving an ASSHF grant guarantee future funding?
No. Selection does not guarantee future or additional funding beyond the award. Any extensions or increases are discretionary.
49) Does the funding announcement guarantee an award or reimbursement of proposal costs?
No. Issuing the announcement does not commit the U.S. government to make an award or reimburse proposal preparation costs, and the government reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
50) What compliance requirements apply to recipients?
Recipients must be prepared to comply with relevant federal regulations and U.S. Department of State standard terms and conditions, including multiple 2 CFR parts and State Department standard award requirements.
51) Who should applicants contact with questions about the application process?
Applicants should contact the Small Grants Office at SSHBotswana@state.gov or call (267) 373-2325.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: FY 2023 Hazardous Materials State Inspection (HMSI) Grant NOFO
Previous opportunity: DRL Enabling Civil Society Efforts to Address the Misuse, Diversion, and Abuse of Arms Exports
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF 2023
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF 2023) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY22 and FY23 Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program Apply for FR 6700 N 54 Funding Number: FR 6700 N 54 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Bank Enterprise Award Program Application Apply for CDFI 2023 BEA Funding Number: CDFI 2023 BEA Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund Apply for DOS ANGOLA SSH FY23 01 Funding Number: DOS ANGOLA SSH FY23 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Angola Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Apply for FR 6700 N 35 Funding Number: FR 6700 N 35 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (SSH) Apply for SSH 00 FY23 01 Funding Number: SSH 00 FY23 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Benin Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| PGO Request for SSH Proposals Apply for PGO MRT FY2022 Funding Number: PGO MRT FY2022 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mauritania Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) Apply for DHS 23 GPD 102 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 23 GPD 102 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| SMALL & MIGHTY GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for PDS COL 2023 SMG Funding Number: PDS COL 2023 SMG Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Sri Lanka Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program – Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP) Round 2 Apply for FCC ACOGP 23 004 Funding Number: FCC ACOGP 23 004 Agency: Federal Communications Commission Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program – National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP) Round 2 Apply for FCC ACOGP 23 003 Funding Number: FCC ACOGP 23 003 Agency: Federal Communications Commission Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) LWA Apply for 7200AA23RFA00013 Funding Number: 7200AA23RFA00013 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $99,000,000 |
| Local Grant: University Leadership and Engagement Apply for TUNIS06082024 Funding Number: TUNIS06082024 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) Apply for CI CET 23 002 Funding Number: CI CET 23 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Innovations in Citizenship Preparation Apply for CI CET 23 004 Funding Number: CI CET 23 004 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Regional Hub Program Apply for CI CET 23 001 Funding Number: CI CET 23 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) Apply for CI CET 23 003 Funding Number: CI CET 23 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 002 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Innovations in Citizenship Preparation Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 004 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 004 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Regional Hub Program Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 001 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 003 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DOS GABORONE GR ASSHF 2023", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.