Providing Support

The charity will support individuals where they have a need that makes them eligible within the charity’s object(s) and that any personal benefit is incidental where (having regard both to its nature and to its amount) it is a necessary result or by-product of carrying out the purpose. Generally, the charity will provide one-off support to meet a specific need but, subject to the submission of a grant report by the beneficiary, the charity may accept a new application for continuing support.

Our Definition of Poverty

We define poverty as not having access to the basic necessities of life which the majority of the people would regard as necessary for a modest, but adequate, standard of living. For example, clean water, adequate food, shelter and clothing, and access to basic school education and health services.
In the UK, this typically means households living on less than 60% of median income who go short in some unacceptable way, whether or not they are eligible for state benefits.
In Myanmar/Burma, as defined by the UN Development Programme, living below the poverty line in Myanmar/Burma means existing on under 1,590 kyats (£0.50) a day who go short in some unacceptable and there are very little or no supports from the state.

Why We Need to Make Checks

We don’t wish to pry into peoples’ lives unnecessarily or make it more difficult for them to apply. However, sadly, there are many fraudsters out there and their techniques can be very effective. Equally, some individuals may not understand their own needs (e.g., medically) and supporting them in a taking an inappropriate course of action may potentially be detrimental to their wellbeing.

Therefore, we may require you to submit your application through an organisation that has relevant expertise and is familiar with your circumstances, and/or provide supporting information to support your application. For example, we may ask for:

• Details of why an item or service is needed, the cost and why you cannot afford it. For example, by providing details of your monthly income and expenditure and/or a DWP proof of benefit letter.
• An invoice, bank statement or similar and/or.
• Specific recommendations from a trustworthy 3 rd party, such as a debt counsellor, doctor or school, as appropriate.

We may ask for supporting evidence, such entitlement to specific benefits, and/or make payments
directly to suppliers on your behalf. For payments directly to individuals, we ask you to provide
receipts.

Financial Means Testing

We will take into account your:
• Family circumstances, such as single parent, the number of children or elderly you care for.
• Hunger, displaced, loss of their home or livelihood due to a conflict, response to a crisis or disaster.
• Essential living costs, such as rent, groceries and utility.
• Income, such as benefits, tax credits, pensions and/or wages.

We use the same procedures as the Government uses for benefits. That is, when assessing whether you’re eligible, some types of income are fully considered but others (such as if you receive Attendance Allowance) are ignored. Your partner’s income and capital may also be taken into account. Capital includes savings and investments. Examples of capital that are taken into account in means tests include:
• Cash.
• Stocks and shares.
• A share of any savings you own jointly with other people.
• property other than your main home.
• Premium Bonds.
• National Savings accounts and certificates (there are special rules for valuing these).

Meeting Need

We follow the Commission’s guidance that the prevention or relief of poverty is not just about giving financial assistance to people who lack money; poverty is a more complex issue that is dependent upon the social and economic circumstances in which it arises.

Consequently, the support we provide is not only about meeting financial, but also other needs. Consequently, your application to us should be specific about what the need is and how the support you are requesting will meet that need.

Overseas Work

For work overseas, the charity will follow the principles outlined above, carrying out all necessary checks to
reflect local conditions, to ensure only eligible beneficiaries are supported. Grantees are likely to be recommended by verified establishments, such as medical centres and other poverty NGOs, who know beneficiaries personal circumstances and are able make such recommendations.

That aside, in the areas the charity is likely to be working in, poverty is endemic and the services it is likely to be providing, such as clean water and very basic food staples, are not something someone not in poverty would need or want.