Shenpen will operate in accordance with the following principles:

• Starting small but in clear, practical ways that produce tangible benefits for the poorest which can be easily sustained.
• Supporting the existing initiatives of other specialist and reputable organisations, thereby ensuring the effective use of Shenpen resources.
• Selecting projects that meet clear social needs and in which the target groups participate in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities.
• Supporting long-term initiatives that are able to demonstrate consistency of impact over time.
• Supporting initiatives that are cost effective i.e. that benefit the maximum number of the poor, to the greatest degree, at minimum cost.