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Call for Proposals, Small Grant Program “Staying Resilient Amid the Pandemic in Southeast Asia”
1 September, 2020 - 1 September, 2023
In Southeast Asia, the spread of COVID-19 has been relatively slow when compared to other regions. With the exception of the Philippines and Indonesia, the number of seriously ill and death cases remain in the two digits. This, however, does not imply that the pandemic should be taken lightly nor that the health, economic and political impacts are insignificant. Like in other parts of the words, human suffering is real, with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable. The pandemic has also highlighted deep inequalities and socio-economic and human rights challenges.
Irrespective of the capacity of governments to tackle the pandemics, all over the region civil society groups, communities and committed individuals have shown great resilience and solidarity. All kinds of small-scale initiatives have been started to battle the pandemic and cope with its local impacts from providing relief goods and PPE equipment to launching education campaigns and financial schemes.
Recognizing the importance of these diverse initiatives and the fact that they are often undertaken with minimal resources, SEA Junction is launching the “Staying Resilient Amid the Pandemic in Southeast Asia” small-grant program. The 3-year program, with support of the China Medical Board Foundation and WIEGO, provides funds to efforts working to build social capital, strengthen community resilience, improve the living and health conditions of local communities (geographical as well as functional) and enhance their capacity to cope with the current situation of COVID-19 and its longer-term socio-economic and health impacts.
Small grants for an average of USD 2,500 will be awarded to selected groups and individuals. Funds can be used to complement existing resources as well as seeds or matching funds. Besides providing financing, the program will also share relevant COVID-19 and health equity relevant information and knowledge, foster cross-fertilization of ideas and interventions, help build networks and conduct joint advocacy activities.
Eligibility and Priority
- This call is open to individuals and groups (both formal and informal)
- Focus is on socio-economic and health dimensions of COVID-19
- Activities are to be located in Southeast Asia
- Priority is given to community-led and inclusive initiatives
- Emphasis on equity and resilience
How to Apply:
- Download and fill the proposal form provided here: Proposal Template
- Use English or any Southeast Asian languages
- Submit your brief proposal by email to southeastasiajunction@gmail.com
The first batch of applications was closed in September 2020. We have selected and provided funds to 13 initiatives in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and The Philippines on different issues including arts and culture, migration, gender, rural development, waste management, education, etc. The full list of first batch grantees is available here.
The second call for proposals was closed on 15 March 2021. Amid the new wave of outbreak in many countries, the community demand for support is great with almost 140 relevant proposals received. Thanks to individual and non-profit donations as per our fundraising campaign at the end of 2020, we have been able to increase our initial funds and grant 23 local initiatives from different locations in 8 countries. The full list of second batch grantees is available here. The next opportunity for a third batch of application is tentatively planned for the end of 2021.
Meanwhile, we are now looking for ways to increase the budget as the need is great and response has been overwhelming. Any contribution from interested institutional and individual donors will go a long way toward mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and strengthening the community-based response to the pandemic. If there’s any preference for particular groups, themes or countries, you can earmark your donations and we will take it into account in the grant announcements and selection. Please find more information here.
Organizers
SEA Junction
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions- from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on twitter and Instagram @seajunction
With support of:
China Medical Board Foundation
The Rockefeller-endowed China Medical Board (CMB), an independent American foundation started in 1914, aims to advance health in China and neighbouring Asian countries through strengthening medical, nursing and public health research and education. See further chinamedicalboard.org.
WIEGO
WIEGO is a global network focused on securing livelihoods for the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy. Informal workers need voice, visibility and validity. WIEGO creates change by building capacity among informal worker organizations, expanding the knowledge base, and influencing local, national and international policies. See further www.wiego.org.
