Opportunity Information: Apply for PGO MRT FY2020 01
The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott (Mauritania) and its Program and Grants Office (PGO), is requesting Statements of Interest (SOIs) for its Special Self-Help (SSH) program under funding opportunity number PGO-MRT-FY2020-01 (CFDA 19.700). This opportunity is designed to support small, community-driven socioeconomic development projects in Mauritania that have an immediate, visible impact and also help raise public awareness of U.S. foreign assistance. The SSH program is intentionally flexible so the Ambassador can respond to locally identified needs that are not already covered by larger, established U.S. assistance programs, while also encouraging communities to contribute their own resources and build long-term self-reliance.
Applicants are not being asked to submit a full proposal right away. Instead, this is a two-step process that begins with a short concept note (an SOI of about 1 to 3 pages). The SOI is meant to clearly explain the basic project idea, what it is trying to accomplish, who benefits, and how the applicant would deliver results. After PGO reviews eligible SOIs, selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal for a second, more detailed merit review before final award decisions are made.
The kinds of projects SSH is looking for are practical, durable, community-based efforts that can be completed quickly (generally within less than one year). Typical examples include small construction or rehabilitation projects under 10,000 square feet such as classrooms, community centers, basic health facilities, foot bridges, housing for a community- or government-paid nurse or teacher, workshops, small abattoirs, grain storage facilities, rural airstrips linked to medical access, or dormitories for students traveling long distances. The program also supports water and sanitation projects like wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, and basic washing facilities, as well as limited livelihood-oriented ideas like fishponds. In addition, SSH may fund school equipment and supplies (desks, chairs, lab and library items), shared construction equipment (for example, a brick-making machine), and other durable goods that serve institutions like schools and clinics (such as refrigerators, stoves, or washing machines). Income-generating equipment can be supported too (for instance, weaving looms, carpentry or furniture-making tools, and rice-milling machines), but applicants are expected to be careful about proposing equipment that the community cannot realistically maintain over time.
Funding is relatively small and targeted. Individual projects may request between USD 3,000 and USD 10,000, and proposals must not exceed USD 10,000 (noted as roughly 3.7 million MRU). The total amount available for the overall call is listed as USD 70,000, with an estimated 5 to 10 awards anticipated. The expected period of performance is about 6 to 12 months, and the anticipated program start date is October 1, 2021, although awards depend on the availability of funds. All grant funds must be used in Mauritania and only for purposes consistent with the grant.
Eligibility is focused on local, nationally registered entities in Mauritania, including national NGOs, cooperatives, associations, municipalities, and other duly registered local groups. Cost sharing is not required, but SSH projects are explicitly designed to include meaningful community contributions, whether in cash, labor, or materials, and to be initiated and managed at the local level. A key rule is that each organization may submit only one proposal; if an organization submits more than one, all submissions from that organization will be ruled ineligible.
To apply at the SOI stage, organizations must submit their materials in English by email to Nouakchottgrants@state.gov no later than July 15, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. GMT. The SOI must include a brief project description that summarizes goals, objectives, intended outcomes, performance indicators (at a concept level), beneficiaries, and a proposed timeline, along with a clear statement showing the organization has the capacity to carry out the activity and manage U.S. Government funds. Applicants must also include the anticipated total budget amount in U.S. dollars. Project-specific performance indicators will be further developed after SOIs are selected for SSH.
SOIs are scored using three main criteria. The largest portion of the score is the quality of the program idea (50 points), focusing on how well it fits the SSH framework, whether it is clearly explained and feasible, and whether the approach is creative while still practical, with a reasonable timeline. Organizational capacity and prior experience managing grants accounts for 35 points, including any relevant track record and, if applicable, how a local partner would contribute and what experience they bring. Program planning and the ability to achieve objectives make up the final 15 points, emphasizing whether the proposed activities and expected results are logically connected to the program goals.
A Grants Review Committee will review all eligible SOIs against the stated criteria, and SOIs are evaluated on their own merits rather than ranked directly against competing submissions. Organizations invited to submit full proposals will need to provide standard U.S. government forms such as the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and SF-424A (Budget Information). While applicants do not need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI, formerly DUNS) or active SAM.gov registration to submit an SOI, they will need both if they are invited to submit a full proposal, and they are encouraged to start the SAM.gov process early since it can take several weeks. There is no fee to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov, and organizations appearing on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in SAM are not eligible to receive or participate in an award.
Finally, applicants should be aware that if selected for funding, they will be expected to comply with U.S. government grant rules and the Department of State standard terms and conditions, including applicable federal regulations such as 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600. Questions about the SOI process are directed to the embassy grants email address: Nouakchottgrants@state.gov.Apply for PGO MRT FY2020 01
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mauritania in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "PGO Request for Statements of Interest - SSH" 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 May 27, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 2021. (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 $10,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 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:
Special Self-Help (SSH) Program - FAQs (PGO-MRT-FY2020-01 / CFDA 19.700)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is a request for Statements of Interest (SOIs) for the U.S. Department of State Special Self-Help (SSH) program administered through the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and its Program and Grants Office (PGO). The funding opportunity number is PGO-MRT-FY2020-01 (CFDA 19.700).
2) What is the purpose of the SSH program?
The SSH program supports small, community-driven socioeconomic development projects in Mauritania that (1) have an immediate, visible impact and (2) help raise public awareness of U.S. foreign assistance. The program is designed to be flexible so the Ambassador can respond to locally identified needs not already covered by larger U.S. assistance programs, while encouraging community contributions and long-term self-reliance.
3) Is this a one-step or two-step application process?
This is a two-step process. The first step is submitting a short concept note (the SOI, about 1 to 3 pages). After review, selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal for a second, more detailed merit review before final award decisions.
4) Do applicants need to submit a full proposal right away?
No. Applicants are not being asked to submit a full proposal at the initial stage. The initial submission is only the SOI concept note.
5) How long should the SOI be?
The SOI should be about 1 to 3 pages.
6) What types of projects are a good fit for SSH?
SSH looks for practical, durable, community-based projects that can be completed quickly (generally within less than one year) and produce an immediate, visible impact.
7) What are examples of typical SSH projects?
Typical examples include small construction or rehabilitation projects under 10,000 square feet, such as classrooms, community centers, basic health facilities, foot bridges, housing for a community- or government-paid nurse or teacher, workshops, small abattoirs, grain storage facilities, rural airstrips linked to medical access, and dormitories for students traveling long distances.
8) Does SSH fund water and sanitation projects?
Yes. SSH may support water and sanitation projects such as wells, latrines, pumps, boreholes, and basic washing facilities.
9) Does SSH support livelihood or income-generating activities?
SSH may support limited livelihood-oriented ideas (for example, fishponds) and income-generating equipment (such as weaving looms, carpentry or furniture-making tools, and rice-milling machines). Applicants are expected to propose equipment that the community can realistically maintain over time.
10) Can SSH fund school equipment and supplies?
Yes. SSH may fund school equipment and supplies such as desks, chairs, and lab and library items.
11) Can SSH fund shared equipment or durable goods for institutions?
Yes. SSH may support shared construction equipment (for example, a brick-making machine) and other durable goods serving institutions like schools and clinics (for example, refrigerators, stoves, or washing machines).
12) How much funding can be requested per project?
Individual projects may request between USD 3,000 and USD 10,000. Proposals must not exceed USD 10,000 (noted as roughly 3.7 million MRU).
13) How much total funding is available under this call?
The total amount available for the overall call is listed as USD 70,000.
14) How many awards does the program expect to make?
The opportunity anticipates an estimated 5 to 10 awards.
15) What is the expected project duration?
The expected period of performance is about 6 to 12 months, and projects are generally intended to be completed within less than one year.
16) When is the anticipated program start date?
The anticipated program start date is October 1, 2021, although awards depend on the availability of funds.
17) Where must SSH grant funds be used?
All grant funds must be used in Mauritania and only for purposes consistent with the grant.
18) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is focused on local, nationally registered entities in Mauritania. Examples include national NGOs, cooperatives, associations, municipalities, and other duly registered local groups.
19) Is cost sharing required?
Cost sharing is not required. However, SSH projects are explicitly designed to include meaningful community contributions (cash, labor, or materials) and to be initiated and managed at the local level.
20) How many submissions can an organization make?
Each organization may submit only one proposal. If an organization submits more than one, all submissions from that organization will be ruled ineligible.
21) What is the SOI submission deadline?
SOIs must be submitted no later than July 15, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. GMT.
22) How should the SOI be submitted?
SOIs must be submitted by email to Nouakchottgrants@state.gov.
23) What language must the SOI be written in?
The SOI must be submitted in English.
24) What content must be included in the SOI?
The SOI must include a brief project description summarizing goals, objectives, intended outcomes, concept-level performance indicators, beneficiaries, and a proposed timeline. It must also include a clear statement showing the organization has the capacity to carry out the activity and manage U.S. Government funds, plus the anticipated total budget amount in U.S. dollars.
25) Do SOIs need detailed, final performance indicators?
No. Project-specific performance indicators will be further developed after SOIs are selected for SSH.
26) How will SOIs be evaluated?
SOIs are scored using three main criteria: quality of the program idea (50 points), organizational capacity and prior experience managing grants (35 points), and program planning and ability to achieve objectives (15 points).
27) What does "quality of the program idea" focus on?
This criterion looks at how well the concept fits the SSH framework, whether it is clearly explained and feasible, whether the approach is creative while still practical, and whether the timeline is reasonable.
28) What does "organizational capacity" cover?
This criterion considers organizational capacity and prior experience managing grants, including relevant track record and, if applicable, how a local partner would contribute and what experience they bring.
29) What does the "program planning" criterion focus on?
This criterion emphasizes whether the proposed activities and expected results are logically connected to the program goals and whether the organization can achieve the stated objectives.
30) Who reviews the SOIs?
A Grants Review Committee will review all eligible SOIs against the stated criteria.
31) Are SOIs ranked against other submissions?
SOIs are evaluated on their own merits rather than ranked directly against competing submissions.
32) What happens if an SOI is selected?
Organizations with selected SOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal for a second, more detailed merit review before final award decisions.
33) What forms may be required at the full proposal stage?
Invited organizations will need to provide standard U.S. government forms such as the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and SF-424A (Budget Information).
34) Do applicants need a UEI or SAM.gov registration to submit an SOI?
No. Applicants do not need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI, formerly DUNS) or an active SAM.gov registration to submit an SOI.
35) When are UEI and SAM.gov required?
A UEI and active SAM.gov registration are required if an organization is invited to submit a full proposal. Applicants are encouraged to start the SAM.gov process early because it can take several weeks.
36) Is there a fee to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov?
No. There is no fee to obtain a UEI or to register in SAM.gov.
37) What is the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) rule?
Organizations appearing on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in SAM are not eligible to receive or participate in an award.
38) What compliance requirements apply if selected for funding?
If selected, recipients will be expected to comply with U.S. government grant rules and the Department of State standard terms and conditions, including applicable federal regulations such as 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600.
39) Who should applicants contact with questions about the SOI process?
Questions about the SOI process should be directed to Nouakchottgrants@state.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: OJJDP FY 2020 and 2021 Nonparticipating States: American Samoa (2020), Connecticut (2020 and 2021), Nebraska (2020 and 2021), New Mexico (2020), Texas (2020 and 2021), Wyoming (2020 and 2021), and Virgin Islands (2020) Solicitation
Previous opportunity: Improving Child Welfare Through Investing in Family
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 PGO MRT FY2020 01
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PGO MRT FY2020 01) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Podcast to Radio- Bringing Global Issues Home to Sub-Sahara Africa Apply for AF PDPA FY21 03 Funding Number: AF PDPA FY21 03 Agency: Department of State, Africa Regional Services Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| PGO Request for Statements of Interest - ARDF Apply for PGO MRT FY2020 02 Funding Number: PGO MRT FY2020 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mauritania Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Counterterrorism Legislative Rapid Response Teams Apply for SFOP0008178 Funding Number: SFOP0008178 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $493,827 |
| Approval of Helping Survivors Heal Activity Apply for 7200AA21RFA00020VOT Funding Number: 7200AA21RFA00020VOT Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $17,000,000 |
| PGO Request for Statements of Interest - CVE Apply for PGO MRT FY2020 03 Funding Number: PGO MRT FY2020 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mauritania Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Development of Research-based Educational Outreach Materials Apply for 36C78621R0028 Funding Number: 36C78621R0028 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, NCA Contracting Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,200,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returning Families of Foreign Terrorist Fighters Apply for SFOP0008173 Funding Number: SFOP0008173 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $610,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Guatemala-PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS GUA FY21 02 Funding Number: PAS GUA FY21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guatemala Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity for Alumni Programming Apply for PAS EGY FY21 02 Funding Number: PAS EGY FY21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Egypt Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Apply for DHS 21 NPD 107 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 21 NPD 107 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Digital Forensic Center Evaluation Apply for 2021 FY20AEECA DFC EVALUATION PASPODGORI Funding Number: 2021 FY20AEECA DFC EVALUATION PASPODGORI Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Montenegro Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Enhancing Fiscal Transparency Supply and Demand in Rwanda Apply for DOS RWANDA PE 2021 01 Funding Number: DOS RWANDA PE 2021 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Rwanda Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Ukraine: Support for non-governmental organizations to combat disinformation and malign narratives spread via social and traditional media in Ukraine Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2021 019 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2021 019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| University Partnerships Initiative Apply for PAS DKR NOFO FY21 03 Funding Number: PAS DKR NOFO FY21 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Senegal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| 2021 TIP Office International Programs to Combat Child Trafficking in Benin Apply for SFOP0008170 Funding Number: SFOP0008170 Agency: Department of State, Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Pretrial Publication Series and Multimedia Development Apply for 21CS05 Funding Number: 21CS05 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $145,000 |
| Enhancing Morocco Public Health Capacity Activity Apply for SFOP0008193 Funding Number: SFOP0008193 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| FY2022-2023 English for Journalists Program Apply for STI400 21 GR 0001 Funding Number: STI400 21 GR 0001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Tajikistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| GRANT SOLICITATION ICWA OFF-RESERVATION Apply for BIA ICWA 2021 Funding Number: BIA ICWA 2021 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Tijuana Public Affairs Section Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS NOG FY21 01 Funding Number: PAS NOG FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mexico Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
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 "PGO MRT FY2020 01", 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.