Understanding the Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund
Local and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in areas affected by humanitarian crises have a significant chance to get funding for projects focused on community protection and awareness. This opportunity comes from the Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund 2026. This program is a partnership between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA). Its main goal is to support local efforts to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in communities that are most at risk.
The fund is looking for proposals that focus on creating community-centered outreach campaigns, awareness materials, and communication strategies. These projects should be designed to fit the specific local situations, languages, and cultures of the communities they aim to serve. This funding is especially important for smaller, local organizations and civil society groups that work directly with people affected by humanitarian crises, such as displaced populations and refugees.
About the PSEA Outreach Fund
The Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund started in 2020. It was created by ICVA and UNHCR to help local groups take the lead in raising awareness and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. The fund believes that local organizations are best equipped to understand their communities, speak in local languages, and create programs that truly connect with people.
The program aims to make sure that people receiving humanitarian aid understand their rights. It also works to ensure they know that aid should never be exchanged for favors, that safe ways to report problems exist, and that support systems are available. By backing local leadership, the fund helps build a humanitarian response system that is more accountable and driven by the community itself.
What the Fund Supports
The 2026 fund is designed to support various local initiatives that improve how communities understand and address sexual exploitation and abuse.
Community-Led Protection Efforts
A key focus of the fund is on projects where communities are actively involved in protection efforts. Organizations are encouraged to include the people affected by crises in the planning and carrying out of outreach activities. This can include things like community awareness campaigns, education programs led by peers, local advocacy, and communication methods that focus on supporting survivors.
Communication Materials for Local Contexts
Projects funded by this initiative are expected to create outreach materials that are carefully adapted to local needs. This means using local languages, considering different literacy levels, respecting cultural backgrounds, and tailoring messages for vulnerable groups. The materials can take many forms, such as posters, radio shows, comics, community theater, videos, social media content, audio messages, and educational toolkits.
Strengthening Local Leadership
The fund is dedicated to building local ownership of PSEA efforts. It aims to help grassroots organizations become leaders in humanitarian protection systems. This goal aligns with international agreements that promote localization, such as the Grand Bargain and commitments made under the Global Compact on Refugees and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).
Sharing PSEA Resources Globally
All materials developed through projects funded by this program will be added to a public database. This allows organizations worldwide to use and adapt effective communication tools, which helps avoid duplication and ensures consistent messaging in humanitarian aid efforts.
The Impact of the PSEA Outreach Fund
Since it began, the fund has made a noticeable difference in many humanitarian situations around the world.
Key Achievements
Over 65 projects focused on PSEA outreach and awareness have been funded, led by local organizations. These projects have reached more than 2 million people with important information about protection and prevention. To make sure the messages were understood by everyone, outreach materials were created in over 60 different languages. In total, more than 450 different outreach materials have been developed and are available for others to use.
What an Independent Evaluation Found
An independent review of the fund, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), highlighted its strong impact and importance. The evaluation found that communities involved in these projects saw an 84% increase in their awareness of PSEA issues. Around 85% of the organizations reported that more people used reporting mechanisms after their projects were put in place. Importantly, 78% of organizations felt that their internal capacity to handle PSEA issues grew significantly because of the project. The evaluation also noted that 68% of respondents indicated strong community involvement in project design and execution, which helped build trust and improve how effective the projects were.
Why This Fund is Important in Humanitarian Settings
Sexual exploitation and abuse continue to be serious problems in humanitarian settings. Vulnerable people in these situations often face greater risks and unequal power dynamics. The PSEA Outreach Fund helps address these issues by supporting protection strategies that are led by local communities. It works to increase awareness among those most at risk, promote safe ways to report problems, and improve accountability. The fund also encourages approaches that focus on supporting survivors and building trust between aid providers and the communities they serve.
Who Can Apply for the Fund
The 2026 Call for Proposals is mainly for local and national NGOs that are active in humanitarian crises. Organizations applying should show they have experience working with communities, the ability to carry out outreach activities, and a good understanding of local situations and languages. They must also be committed to protection and safeguarding principles and be able to create communication materials that fit the local culture. Projects should focus on humanitarian settings and prioritize populations that are most at risk.
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2026 fund opened on May 19, 2026. The deadline for submitting proposals is June 14, 2026, at 23:59 CET. It is recommended that organizations start preparing their applications early to ensure they are submitted on time.
Resources for Applicants
Applicants can find guidance and application materials in several languages, including English, Arabic, and French. The fund also offers access to a database of PSEA materials, summaries of past projects, publications from ICVA on PSEA, and documents that explain how to apply.
Benefits of Joining the Fund
Organizations that are selected to receive funding can gain several advantages. These include financial support for their PSEA outreach projects, increased visibility for their organization, opportunities to strengthen their skills, and access to global PSEA resources. They can also become part of international humanitarian protection networks and contribute to safeguarding systems that are led by the community. This can also lead to opportunities for developing long-term partnerships.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying should carefully read all official guidance documents and application materials. It is advised to clearly define the community’s needs, show evidence of local engagement, and explain plans for making the project sustainable. Applicants should also highlight how their approaches are culturally adapted and include ways to measure the project’s success.
For more details about the proposals, visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund?
The fund aims to support local efforts to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in communities most at risk during humanitarian crises.
Who is eligible to apply for this fund?
Local and national NGOs working in humanitarian crises are the primary applicants, needing experience in community outreach and a commitment to protection principles.
What kind of projects does the fund support?
The fund supports community-led protection efforts, the creation of locally adapted communication materials, and initiatives that strengthen local leadership in PSEA.
When is the deadline to apply for the 2026 fund?
The deadline for submitting proposals for the 2026 fund is June 14, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
