Most projects should ensure the following criteria during and after implementation in order that the projects serve the community the longest:

• Targeting

The SFD allocates its resources to the poorest and neediest communities groups through various projects and interventions in order to improve their living conditions. The 2006 Impact Evaluation, conducted by a specialized international company, found that the SFD-Yemen's targeting is the best among other peer funds in other countries where similar analytical procedures have been applied. It further indicates that 73% of SFD's resources go to the three lowest income deciles and just 3% to the top decile.

• Sustainability

To ensure sustainability, the SFD supports projects that meet the actual needs of the local communities and are appropriate in terms of technical design and availability of operation and maintenance resources.  

• Community-driven approach

The SFD follows demand-driven approach and promotes for its activities among the target communities in order to motivate them to apply for priority services. The independent  2006 Impact Evaluation found that 95% of SFD-targeted projects have been of high priority for the beneficiaries.

• Community participation

The SFD revives community traditional self-reliance spirit through enhancing community participation during and after project implementation starting from the prioritization of their needs and project implementation, operation and maintenance. The SFD encourages democratic practices by encouraging the communities to organize themselves and elect their representatives in community committees.

• Community contribution:

With a purpose to increase community's sense of ownership of the infrastructure projects and as part of community participation, the SFD requests beneficiary communities to contribute to project costs by providing labor, construction materials, other in-kind contributions and cash.

• Gender mainstreaming

The SFD is implementing its Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and Framework (2008–10) as part of its efforts to increase the quality and effectiveness of SFD contributions to sustainable poverty reduction for both sexes, with a focus on increasing gender sensitization in SFD policies and procedures as well as interventions and sector programs. About half of SFD project beneficiaries are women—a clear progress underscoring SFD's ability to bridge the development gender gap.