U.S. Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund (SSH)

The SSH program is aimed at assisting Beninese community groups to develop lasting, self-sustaining projects that significantly impact communities by addressing critical health, social, and development concerns. Each year, Embassy Cotonou supports approximately six to ten projects with small grants, typically under $5,000. These grants have contributed to agricultural modernization, women's empowerment, improving sanitation, improving learning conditions, and providing greater access to clean water, health services, and education. The projects are for community-based groups or organizations, initiated locally, and administered at the local level.