The Ethnic Community Self-Help (ECSH) Program supports ethnic community-based organizations in helping refugees adjust to life in America and integrate into the community. These organizations are particularly skilled in identifying and responding to the diverse needs of refugees and decide what activities to plan that will best benefit the communities they serve.
The ECSH Program serves refugees and other ORR-eligible populations who have arrived in the United States within the last five years.
Through the program, the ethnic community-based organizations help refugees with such things as:
- Finding jobs
- Learning English
- Assisting youth in college preparation
- Learning U.S. customs and laws
- Starting the process toward citizenship
- Linking to their communities
The ECSH Program supports ethnic community-based organizations in professional development for their staff by connecting them with well-established service providers. The greater community also benefits by learning about the culture, strengths, and needs of the local refugee population the organization is serving.
This is a competitive grant program, with grants awarded for a three-year project period.
Organizations wishing to operate an ECSH Program must submit an application when an ECSH Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is open on Grants.gov .
Ethnic community-based organizations are encouraged to apply and are defined as U.S.-based certified non-profit organizations, whose board of directors is comprised of at least 60 percent current or former refugees and/or other ORR-eligible statuses.
View the ECSH Program Implementation Guidelines (PDF) for all ORR-eligible populations.
Contact Information
drsprograms@acf.hhs.gov