Opportunity Information: Apply for NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919
The FY 2020 Ambassador's Special Self-Help (ASSH) Program is a small grants opportunity run by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Nigeria (U.S. Embassy Abuja). It is designed to fund practical, community-driven development projects that can show visible, near-term results while also highlighting U.S. foreign assistance at the grassroots level. A key feature of the program is flexibility: it is meant to let the Ambassador respond directly to credible requests coming from local communities, especially for needs that are not already being addressed through larger, more structured U.S. Government assistance programs. At the same time, the program emphasizes self-reliance, meaning projects should be set up so the community can sustain the benefits after the grant ends and ideally replicate similar efforts in the future.
Funding is provided as a grant, with an award ceiling of $25,000 per project and an expectation of around five awards for this funding round. The opportunity was posted January 21, 2020, with an original closing date of April 1, 2020. The funding opportunity number is NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919, and it is listed under CFDA 19.700. Because the program is competitive and the Small Grants Office receives more applications than it can support, applicants are encouraged to submit well-prepared proposals that clearly show readiness, feasibility, and community ownership.
Eligibility is focused on registered non-profit organizations (NPOs), including Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities. Beyond formal registration, applicants are expected to demonstrate strong local ties and real community support, including coordination with local government bodies. Organizations also need to show they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring systems, since the program expects grantees to handle funds responsibly and document spending and results. Another important requirement is local buy-in before submission: applicants must obtain approval from relevant local authorities such as a local development committee, tribal authority, local town council, and/or district council, depending on the local governance structure.
The ASSH program strongly requires cost-sharing from the community. Recipient organizations must contribute at least 10 percent of the total project cost, either in cash or as in-kind support. In-kind contributions can include labor, locally sourced materials (such as bricks, sand, gravel, or seeds), land, use of buildings, or other tangible inputs that reduce the grant amount needed and demonstrate commitment. This requirement is not treated as a formality; it is central to the program's goal of ensuring that communities have ownership of the project and are invested in maintaining it once the grant-funded phase is complete. Proposals are also expected to be implementation-ready, meaning planning should be complete enough that work can begin without major delays, and the project should be designed to remain functional without ongoing outside funding.
The program supports a range of community development objectives. One major category is economic diversification, including small business creation and income generation. Projects in this area are expected to expand sustainable income and employment opportunities at the community level, encourage entrepreneurship, and support practical ways for communities to use local natural resources to improve livelihoods. Examples provided include the purchase of income-generating equipment such as weaving looms, threshing machines, oil presses, and beehives, as well as other interventions that improve basic living or economic conditions.
A second category is social services, particularly projects that support disadvantaged or at-risk populations. This can include assistance for people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, and female-headed households. Eligible activities in this area may include construction of health clinics or workshops and water and sanitation projects, reflecting the program's interest in concrete improvements that benefit the wider community and can be maintained locally.
A third category focuses on youth and child development. This includes projects that help young people gain practical knowledge and tools to make healthier and safer life choices, set goals, and improve their long-term prospects. The program also supports youth opportunity initiatives, including those connected to employment. In terms of infrastructure and materials, examples include constructing school rooms or community centers and purchasing school equipment, furnishings, and books, so long as the project remains community-oriented and fits the program's rules.
A fourth eligible area is community-based natural resource management. This covers projects aimed at strengthening community ownership and stewardship of local resources, supporting sustainable community-based tourism, and promoting conservation. The common thread is that activities should be locally managed, environmentally responsible, and structured so benefits continue beyond the grant period.
The opportunity also lists an extensive set of activities that are not eligible for funding, which effectively defines the boundaries of the program. The ASSH program will not fund partisan political activity, surveillance equipment, or projects that duplicate other U.S. Government programs. It also excludes proposals that function mainly as technical assistance programs, scientific research, or general capacity-building meant primarily to grow the applicant organization rather than deliver a direct community benefit. Fundraising campaigns and lobbying are not allowed, and the program will not support projects that would personally or politically benefit U.S. Government employees (or their immediate family members).
Many common cost items are explicitly prohibited, including staff salaries or stipends, alcohol, medicines, school uniforms, school fees, bursaries, and other personal expenses. The program also bars charitable or donation-style activities (for example, giving away goods without a sustainable model), and it restricts support for religious, military, or law enforcement-related activities, including police, prisons, or similar sectors. It does not support abortion-related facilities or services, luxury goods, gambling equipment, or toxic/unsafe products such as hazardous chemicals and pesticides. Food purchases and food parcel distributions are also excluded, signaling that the program prioritizes development investments over short-term relief distributions.
Equipment purchasing is allowed in some cases, but the program generally discourages buying used equipment because of maintenance and reliability concerns. New equipment is preferred unless the used item is simple, spare parts are readily available locally, and the choice clearly reduces long-term operating risk. The program also includes legal and compliance-related exclusions tied to U.S. foreign assistance rules, including prohibitions related to illegal drug trafficking and any entities connected to terrorism under Executive Order 13224 or other applicable authorities, as well as any activity barred under the Foreign Assistance Act or appropriations laws.
Finally, the opportunity places limits on support to private businesses and certain education providers. It does not support private businesses directly, and it does not support private creches or public/government schools unless there is Parent-Teacher Association involvement, reflecting the program's preference for community-led structures rather than direct institutional subsidies. Overall, the ASSH program is best suited for well-defined, community-endorsed projects that can be implemented quickly, show measurable local benefit, include meaningful community contributions, and remain sustainable after the grant ends.Apply for NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Nigeria in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2020 Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.700.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 21, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 01, 2020. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FY 2020 Ambassador's Special Self-Help (ASSH) Program (Nigeria) - FAQs
1) What is the FY 2020 Ambassador's Special Self-Help (ASSH) Program?
The Ambassador's Special Self-Help (ASSH) Program is a small grants program run by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Nigeria (U.S. Embassy Abuja). It funds practical, community-driven development projects that can show visible, near-term results and highlight U.S. foreign assistance at the grassroots level.
2) Who runs and administers this grant opportunity?
The program is run by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Nigeria (U.S. Embassy Abuja), with applications reviewed through the Small Grants Office.
3) What is the main purpose of the ASSH program?
The program is designed to support credible, community-identified needs that may not be addressed through larger, more structured U.S. Government assistance programs. It emphasizes community ownership and self-reliance so benefits continue after the grant ends and can be replicated locally.
4) How much funding is available per project?
The award ceiling is $25,000 per project.
5) How many awards are expected?
The opportunity indicates an expectation of around five awards for this funding round.
6) Is the program competitive?
Yes. The Small Grants Office receives more applications than it can support, so applicants are encouraged to submit well-prepared proposals that demonstrate readiness, feasibility, and strong community ownership.
7) When was the opportunity posted and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was posted on January 21, 2020, with an original closing date of April 1, 2020.
8) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?
The funding opportunity number is NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919, and it is listed under CFDA 19.700.
9) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is focused on registered non-profit organizations (NPOs), including Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work directly with communities.
10) What kind of community connection is expected from applicants?
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong local ties and real community support, including coordination with local government bodies.
11) Are there governance or local-approval requirements before submitting an application?
Yes. Applicants must obtain approval from relevant local authorities before submission. Depending on the local governance structure, this may include a local development committee, tribal authority, local town council, and/or district council.
12) What financial management expectations apply to grantees?
Organizations must show they have adequate internal controls and financial monitoring systems, as grantees are expected to manage funds responsibly and document spending and results.
13) Is cost-sharing required?
Yes. The program strongly requires cost-sharing from the community.
14) What is the minimum cost-share amount?
Recipient organizations must contribute at least 10 percent of the total project cost.
15) Can the 10 percent contribution be in-kind rather than cash?
Yes. Cost-sharing can be provided in cash or as in-kind support.
16) What are examples of acceptable in-kind cost-sharing?
Examples include labor, locally sourced materials (such as bricks, sand, gravel, or seeds), land, use of buildings, or other tangible inputs that reduce the grant amount needed and show community commitment.
17) Why is cost-sharing emphasized so strongly?
Cost-sharing is central to the program's self-reliance goal. It is meant to demonstrate genuine community ownership and commitment to maintaining the project after the grant-funded phase ends.
18) What does "implementation-ready" mean for this program?
Proposals are expected to be ready to implement, meaning planning should be complete enough for work to begin without major delays.
19) What does sustainability mean in the context of ASSH?
Projects should be designed to remain functional without ongoing outside funding, with community structures and contributions that support long-term maintenance and, ideally, replication of similar efforts in the future.
20) What types of projects are eligible under economic diversification?
Eligible projects include community-level initiatives that support small business creation, income generation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable employment. Examples include purchasing income-generating equipment such as weaving looms, threshing machines, oil presses, and beehives, as well as other interventions that improve basic living or economic conditions.
21) What types of projects are eligible under social services?
Projects that support disadvantaged or at-risk populations may be eligible, including assistance benefiting people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, and female-headed households. Examples include construction of health clinics or workshops and water and sanitation projects, as long as the benefits are concrete and can be maintained locally.
22) What types of projects are eligible under youth and child development?
Eligible projects include those that help young people gain practical knowledge and tools to make healthier and safer choices, set goals, and improve long-term prospects, including youth opportunity initiatives connected to employment. Examples include constructing school rooms or community centers and purchasing school equipment, furnishings, and books when the project is community-oriented and fits the program rules.
23) What types of projects are eligible under community-based natural resource management?
Eligible projects include community-led stewardship of local resources, sustainable community-based tourism, and conservation-focused activities, provided they are locally managed, environmentally responsible, and structured so benefits continue beyond the grant period.
24) Are partisan political activities eligible?
No. Partisan political activity is explicitly not eligible for funding.
25) Does the program fund surveillance equipment?
No. Surveillance equipment is not eligible for funding.
26) Can ASSH fund projects that duplicate other U.S. Government programs?
No. Projects that duplicate other U.S. Government programs are not eligible.
27) Are technical assistance or scientific research projects eligible?
No. Proposals that function mainly as technical assistance programs or scientific research are not eligible.
28) Is general organizational capacity-building eligible?
No. General capacity-building intended primarily to grow the applicant organization, rather than deliver a direct community benefit, is excluded.
29) Can the grant be used for fundraising campaigns or lobbying?
No. Fundraising campaigns and lobbying are not allowed.
30) Are there restrictions related to benefiting U.S. Government employees?
Yes. The program will not support projects that would personally or politically benefit U.S. Government employees or their immediate family members.
31) Can ASSH funds be used to pay staff salaries or stipends?
No. Staff salaries and stipends are explicitly prohibited.
32) Can grant funds be used to purchase alcohol?
No. Alcohol is not an allowable cost.
33) Can ASSH funds pay for medicines?
No. Medicines are listed as an explicitly prohibited cost item.
34) Can ASSH funds pay for school uniforms, school fees, or bursaries?
No. School uniforms, school fees, bursaries, and other personal expenses are not eligible.
35) Does ASSH fund charitable giveaways or donation-style activities?
No. Charitable or donation-style activities (such as giving away goods without a sustainable model) are excluded.
36) Can the program support religious activities?
No. The program restricts support for religious activities.
37) Can the program support military or law enforcement activities?
No. The program restricts support for military or law enforcement-related activities, including police, prisons, or similar sectors.
38) Are abortion-related facilities or services eligible?
No. Abortion-related facilities or services are not supported.
39) Can ASSH funds be used for luxury goods or gambling equipment?
No. Luxury goods and gambling equipment are not eligible.
40) Are toxic or unsafe products allowed (such as hazardous chemicals and pesticides)?
No. Toxic/unsafe products, including hazardous chemicals and pesticides, are not eligible.
41) Can ASSH funds be used to purchase food or distribute food parcels?
No. Food purchases and food parcel distributions are excluded, reflecting the program's focus on development investments rather than short-term relief distribution.
42) Is purchasing equipment allowed?
Equipment purchasing can be allowed in some cases, depending on the project and alignment with program rules.
43) Does the program allow used equipment purchases?
The program generally discourages buying used equipment due to maintenance and reliability concerns.
44) When might used equipment be acceptable?
Used equipment may be considered if the item is simple, spare parts are readily available locally, and choosing used equipment clearly reduces long-term operating risk.
45) Are there legal or compliance-related eligibility exclusions?
Yes. The program includes prohibitions tied to U.S. foreign assistance rules, including restrictions related to illegal drug trafficking and entities connected to terrorism under Executive Order 13224 or other applicable authorities, as well as activities barred under the Foreign Assistance Act or appropriations laws.
46) Does the program support private businesses directly?
No. The program does not support private businesses directly.
47) Are private creches eligible for support?
No. The opportunity states it does not support private creches.
48) Are government/public schools eligible for support?
Public/government schools are not supported unless there is Parent-Teacher Association involvement, reflecting the program preference for community-led structures rather than direct institutional subsidies.
49) What kinds of projects are a strong fit for ASSH overall?
The program is best suited for well-defined projects that are community-endorsed, can be implemented quickly, show measurable local benefit, include meaningful community contributions (at least 10 percent), and remain sustainable after the grant ends.
50) What should applicants focus on to be competitive?
Based on the opportunity description, competitive proposals should clearly demonstrate readiness to implement, feasibility, strong community ownership and local buy-in (including documented approvals from relevant authorities), and the ability to monitor finances and document spending and results.
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