Special Self-Help Program for small, community-based development projects.

The U.S. Embassy Libreville of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support Gabonese communities through modest grants that would positively impact communities. Program Objectives: Self-Help projects must foster community self-reliance. Self-Help activities must have community participation and contribution -- volunteer time and labor, donated land, equipment and materials -- and the U.S. contribution must be on a one-time basis only. Self-Help activities should have a significant impact, benefiting the greatest number of people possible. Projects that directly benefit a limited number of people are discouraged. Self-Help activities must help improve basic economic or social conditions at the local community or village level; Self-Help projects must also be viable and sustainable in terms of finance, personnel support (i.e. teachers for schoolrooms), and necessary expertise and services. Self-Help projects must also respect environmental norms for small projects. Self-Help activities must fall within the ability of the local community to implement. Activities that are too complex should be avoided.