Small Grant Program “Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crisis in Earthquake-Struck Myanmar”

Myanmar has recently experienced it most devastating earthquake in a century, a magnitude 7.7 event that struck the central region of Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This earthquake is among the most powerful globally in recent years and resulted in significant casualties. As of April 5, the disaster in Myanmar has led to 5,330 fatalities, over 7,140 injuries, and more than 769 missing persons. In response, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) announced that anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military actions for two weeks. However, the regime continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas. Moreover, the junta’s control of international aid and its ineffective and selective use has further intensified the humanitarian crisis and caused arm to already vulnerable populations.

Urgent action is needed for response and recovery to meet the needs of the affected communities.  through local groups and organizations. Amidst aerial attacks, disaster widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the civilian population is living in fear for their lives and their coping capacities are stretched to the limit. Yet, they remain resilient and mobilize their scarce resources and available preparedness mechanisms to address and overcome adversities.

Recognizing the importance of these diverse initiatives and the fact that they are often undertaken with minimal resources, SEA Junction is launching the fifth round of its small grant program, but this time only for disaster areas in Myanmar.  The 2025 “Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crisis in the Earthquake-Struck Myanmar” undertaken by SEA Junction with support of the CMB Foundation, provides funds to efforts respond and recover to the earthquake by building social capital, strengthening community resilience, improving the living and health conditions of local communities (geographical as well as functional) and enhance their capacity to cope with the current situation of earthquake struck and its longer-term socio-economic and health impacts.  As the application, selection and disbursement time will take at least 3 months, this program is for longer term response, not for immediate relief.

Small grants for an average of USD 2,000 will be awarded to selected groups and individuals. This year, only proposals will be accepted that highlight disaster response and recovery in the earthquake affected areas: Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Eastern and Southern Shan state and Naypyitaw.

Funds can be used to complement existing institutional resources as well as seeds or matching funds. Besides providing financing, the program also shares relevant resources, fosters cross-fertilization of ideas and interventions, helps build networks and conducts joint advocacy activities.

Details on eligibility criteria, guidelines for submission, and deadlines are listed below.

Eligibility and Priority:

• Focus on the disaster response and recovery
• Activities to be located in areas affected by the earthquake
• Open only to local groups and organizations
• Priority given to community-led and inclusive initiatives
• Emphasis on gender, social and health equity and resilience 

How to Apply:

• Download and fill the proposal form provided here: Proposal Template
• Use English or Burmese languages
• Submit your brief proposal by email to info@seajunction.org

Application Deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025 (23:59 UTC +7)

Managed by:

SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (For SEAs), 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:

CMB Foundation, 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