Q&A with Shurugwi Partners

2014-15 USADF Grantee

Q: How did you first learn about the SSH program?

A: I first learned about the SSH program in 2011 through the U.S. Embassy website, where the SSH team posted about the application form and guidelines.

Q: Where did you learn about how to apply?

A:The website of the embassy provided useful guidelines on the application process. Please follow .

Q: Were the application requirements and evaluation criteria easy to understand?

A:Despite a wide range of interventions supported by the SSH program, the requirements for the application and evaluation criteria are very clear. If your proposal is one of the best, the evaluation team continues to request more information on both technical and financial aspects of the proposal. Community participation and ownership of the project, impact on the beneficiaries, and project sustainability are all key evaluation criteria.

Q: How did you formulate your project proposal? Whom did you consult with to design the project?

A: In many cases, different donors have different proposal templates to follow. For the SSH program, the application template provides useful guidelines. We worked closely with stakeholders (Agricultural Extension Officer, Rural District Council,Youth Officers) and the beneficiaries in the project design. The proposal was rich with ideas from the local community and we are happy that this project does not belong to us but to the communities we are assisting.

Q: How would you describe the process? Was it open and transparent?

A: The process was transparent and standardized for all applicants. The SSH program selected projects on a competitive basis and with consideration to the quality of the proposals. When we sent our application through the required protocol; there was no one we knew on embassy team and it was the quality of our proposal that made it stand out.

Q: Why do you think that you were selected for a grant?

A:I think we were selected for several reasons:

  • We submitted a high quality proposal in line with the evaluation criteria;
  • We have experience in implementing similar projects;
  • The proposal was developed in a participatory way with the beneficiaries;
  • We have a good monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure the project stays on track;
  • We prioritized sustainability in the project design by having a plan for operation and maintenance after the grant is finished.