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

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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.