Funding Criteria

​The Paung Sie Facility strives to contribute to a socially cohesive society, which is one that works towards the wellbeing of all, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers everyone the opportunity to prosper and advance peacefully.

To be considered for PSF funding, projects must meet all six criteria. 

You Must Meet All These Criteria

Focused primarily on seeking to directly contribute to the enhancement of social cohesion or inter-communal harmony in Myanmar communities, for instance by; 

• strengthening trust, confidence and communications among and between different communities and groups or sectors within communities;
• identifying and responding to emerging areas of need or building capacity of communities to improve and transform relationships to enhance social cohesion;
• seeking to support acceptable policy and operational links between central and State government, non-union administrations and within communities; 
• reducing negative stereotypes, promoting inter-group cooperation, and reducing social distance;
• supporting cross-sectoral cooperation for the development of social cohesion approaches and policies. 

​Driven by demand or identified need, the project must clearly demonstrate it is wanted/needed by those whom it is deemed will benefit from the project. That is, the proposal must emanate from consultation and assessment of needs with local communities, and key actors for implementation must be involved in and consent to the proposal.

Achievable, within the project timeframe. A clear articulation of the measureable results that will be achieved is required.

Will adhere to ‘Do No Harm’ principles. The project must exhibit a deep understanding and application conflict sensitivity approaches.

Gender responsive, the project must clearly demonstrate and articulate that it has assessed the needs of, and impact upon, women and girls, as distinct from men and boys, and has sought to find solutions appropriate to each of these distinct needs, for instance by:

• strengthening women’s direct and meaningful participation in, and contribution to initiatives that enhance social cohesion, or 
• increasing the actual and perceived safety of women and girls’ in communities.

Risk ready, ​risk is effectively managed within the project. A comprehensive and clear articulation of all the major risks associated with the proposed project - including political, financial and security risks - and how these risks will be managed.

Other Parameters

Not all proposals will be funded, the PSF is over subscribed and applicants should continue to pursue other avenues of funding.  

The PSF will look favourably upon proposals which are partially funded from other sources, and seek to adhere to joint and good donorship principles in order to improve effectiveness, increase transparency, and reduce the administrative and management burden upon our partner implementing agencies.

Levels of funding offered, will be comparable only with the level that has been previously managed by the recipient organisation, or in exceptional circumstances a modest increase may be agreed if the requisite fund management structures and capacities are or can be put in place. The average size of a PSF grant is in the order of USD200,000, but grants have been as small as USD5,000.

The PSF will look favourably upon proposals which advance the role of youth in promoting social cohesion. 

The PSF may seek changes to proposals which do not meet all the criteria, but which meet some of the criteria and fall within the overall goal of the fund.

The PSF seeks to balance available funds across a portfolio of projects which address the breadth of our criteria.

The PSF seeks to support small scale, locally owned and led initiatives wherever possible.  National organisations are encouraged to apply.

Under our funding + model, we work with new and emerging organisations as well as established entities. We can help strengthen your organization through this mechanism with technical or other training and advice. 

Meet the Criteria?

If you think your project meets the PSF criteria, then...

Click here to understand our 2-Stage Application Process.

Click here to access our application templates.