Expressions of interest

About the Initiative

With support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), The Asia Foundation is implementing the Ponlok Chomnes II (PCII): Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program between July 2023 and June 2027. The goal of Ponlok Chomnes II is that public policy decisions, based on evidence and informed by inclusive dialogue, are operationalised and become the norm in Cambodia.  The achievement of this goal will be measured by one End of Program Outcome (EOPO), which is “by 2027 select public policy processes involve inclusive dialogue and are informed by diverse and credible evidence.”

PCII identifies “dialogue” as an exchange of information, ideas, or opinions between parties through spoken or written means. Its goals can range from mutual understanding to exploring topics. It is versatile and useful for clarity, learning, or building relationships. In a policy context, dialogue refers to a structured and purposeful conversation or discussion among various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, researchers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the public, aimed at sharing knowledge, identifying ways to address specific policy issues or opportunities and ultimately inform the development, implementation, or revision of policies and initiatives. However, not all dialogues meaningfully engage or include all relevant parties. This is where inclusive dialogue comes in.

“Inclusive dialogue” in the context of the PCII involves fostering open and participatory conversations among diverse stakeholders, including women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups. It aims to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and actively contribute to policy discussions. Inclusive dialogue promotes collaborative decision-making and the incorporation of diverse perspectives into policy processes.

Why You Should be Part of This Initiative

Recognising the importance of inclusive dialogue, the PCII initiated the Call for Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund Round Two to support innovative ideas that address policy issues at national or subnational level through inclusive dialogue approaches. The fund seeks to address the following policy issues, but not limited to:

• Climate resilience
• Digital transformation
• Situation, needs, and access of public services
• Other policy-relevant topics are not listed above.

This Innovation Fund encourages organisations to trial or test different dialogue models using inclusive approaches that fit the Cambodian context.

In addition, selected partners will have access to a wider network of knowledge ecosystem in Cambodia. Partners will be able to strengthen their existing networks and build new networks through Ponlok Chomnes. Through these mechanisms, partners will be able to increase their opportunities to interact with other partners and policymakers at both the national and sub-national levels.

The Call: Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund Round Two (Inclusive Dialogue)

The Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund Round Two is a competitive process for Cambodian organisations to propose and test their innovative ideas in response to emerging policy opportunities/issues either at local or national through inclusive dialogue. This Innovation Fund Round Two is expected to support four to six Cambodian organisations. This would be a six-month to twelve-month grant.

* Note:

• Current Ponlok Chomnes partners may apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are not currently receiving support from the Ponlok Chomnes program.
• The funding support for each project is up to USD 20,000.

Deciding whether to apply

To apply, the applicants must meet all the following basic eligibility criteria. Applications that do not meet BOTH of the basic eligibility criteria WILL NOT be considered.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Cambodian entities, specifically non-partisan, non-profit organisations, or public university-based research institutions
• All applicants must be officially registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia

Organisations that meet at least one of these additional criteria will be highly considered.

• We encourage applications from community-based organisations, grassroots organisations, indigenous organisations, or traditionally under-represented and non-profit organisations
• Applicants should have proven experience in organising inclusive dialogue either at national, subnational, or community levels
• Applications must integrate the concept of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) into the dialogue activities
• Organisations with inclusive leadership or staffing, particularly from traditionally under-represented groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ, indigenous communities.)

Proposed topics or ideas that meet the following approaches will be highly considered.

• Policy-relevance: Topics should directly pertain to current policy priorities and considerations.
• Inclusion: Initiatives must actively involve and reflect a diverse range of groups and perspectives. For example, initiatives implemented by under-represented groups, and initiatives implemented in remote provinces are highly considered.
• Innovation: Proposals should present novel approaches and models to trial inclusive dialogue.
• Collaboration: Innovation Fund Round Two Partners should partner with diverse stakeholders, particularly women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups in shared decision-making. Participants and organisers work together to identify issues, develop solutions, and decide outcomes.

Application process

To apply for the Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund Round Two, interested organisations will need to first assess their eligibility. Organisations will then submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) should they meet the abovementioned Basic Eligibility Criteria. Please see the indicative timeline below.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

• EoI publicised: 11 December 2024
• EoI with concept note submitted: 31 January 2025

Stage 2: Shortlisting Process

• Six applicants shortlisted: 1-15 February 2025
• Nomination of six shortlisted applicants to DFAT for final confirmation: 17-21 February 2025
• Conditionally approved finalists notified: 24-28 February 2025

Stage 3: Due diligence

• Due diligence process: 3-7 March 2025

Stage 4: Notification of selected grantees and funding release

• Grantee finalises proposal content, budget, and grant period: 24 February – 21 March 2025
• Approximate date for grant agreement: 24-28 March 2025

Stage 5: Grant activities

• Grant implementation begins: 1 April 2025

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Interested organisations shall submit a short Expression of Interest by the close of business 31 January 2025. The Expression of Interest will be a maximum of six pages excluding annexes either in Khmer or English language and include:

• Description of organisation (e.g., mission and goals of the organisation and organisational mandate, year established, organisational structure)
• Areas of focus and geographic location
• Proposed concept note (2-3 pages)
• Proposed team members and their CVs

Stage 2: Shortlisting

The Program will appraise the applications based on the criteria outlined above. The Program may provide feedback to applicants where additional information or clarification is needed and allow them to re-submit their applications.

It is anticipated that the results of the conditionally approved finalists will be announced by 24-28 February 2025.

The following selection criteria will be used to rate concept note and short-list organisations:

• Prior experience in conducting inclusive dialogue
• Concept note quality
• The proposed topic acquires inclusive and innovative approaches to address inclusive climate resilience; digital transformation; situation, needs, and access of public services; and other policy-relevant topics
• Organisations that have leadership and/or staff from traditionally under-represented groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ, marginalised communities, etc.)
• Extent to which Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is incorporated into the proposed topic.
• Secure collaboration from relevant GEDSI groups or communities.

Stage 3: Due Diligence

Following shortlisting, the Program will notify the conditionally approved finalists to confirm their willingness to undergo due diligence checks by The Asia Foundation for final confirmation of their selection status between 3 to 7 March 2025. The Asia Foundation will apply the minimum standard of due diligence to provide the opportunity for community-based organisations and other actors to be able to participate. 

Stage 4: Notification of Selected Grantees and Funding Release

The Asia Foundation will commence fund disbursement after grantee selection has been finalised and the concept note, budget, and grant period have been established for each grantee. The Asia Foundation will then issue a Letter of Grant to each grantee. Grantees will initiate their activities only after the Foundation has signed off on the agreement and their budget. It is anticipated that funding will be released to successful applicants in late April 2025.

Please click here for the application form

For more information, please contact:

• The Asia Foundation
• #59, Oknha Peich (Street 242)
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Email: ponlokchomnes@asiafoundation.org
• Tel: +855 (0)23 210 431