The purpose of the Trust is to support processes that deepen and widen engagement in policy dialogue with a regional impact on poverty so that the poor have a better say in shaping policies to overcome poverty in southern Africa. To be eligible, applying or lead organizations in an alliance, coalition or network of other organizations must: be a civil society organization, alliance, coalition or network rooted and governed within southern Africa; be willing to enter into a partnership agreement with the Southern Africa Trust; and be engaged in programs that have a regional impact on policies that reduce poverty in southern African.