The Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund 2026 is now accepting applications from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in humanitarian settings worldwide. Established through a partnership between the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) and UNHCR, the fund supports community-led initiatives that raise awareness about Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
This funding opportunity empowers local organizations to create culturally appropriate outreach materials, strengthen community awareness, and improve reporting mechanisms for sexual exploitation and abuse. If your organization works directly with vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises, this grant could provide valuable resources to expand your impact.
Quick Overview
- Program Name: Inter-Agency PSEA Community Outreach & Communication Fund 2026
- Host Organizations: ICVA and UNHCR
- Funding Type: NGO Grant
- Eligible Applicants: Local NGOs responding to humanitarian crises
- Focus Area: Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
- Project Scope: Community outreach and communication initiatives
- Application Opening Date: 19 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 14 June 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Funding Coverage: Project grant funding
- Location: Global
What Makes This Opportunity Special?
Unlike many international grants that primarily support large organizations, this fund is specifically designed to strengthen local leadership and grassroots action.
The fund recognizes that local NGOs and affected communities are best positioned to design outreach activities that reflect local languages, cultural contexts, literacy levels, and community realities.
Key highlights include:
- Support for community-driven protection initiatives.
- Focus on locally tailored communication materials.
- Strong emphasis on localization and community ownership.
- Opportunity to strengthen organizational PSEA capacity.
- Alignment with international humanitarian commitments.
Since its launch, the fund has supported more than 65 projects, reached over 2 million people, produced more than 450 outreach materials, and worked across more than 60 languages.
Financial Benefits
Selected organizations may receive funding to support:
- Development of outreach and awareness materials.
- Community engagement activities.
- Communication campaigns.
- Translation and localization of PSEA materials.
- Awareness sessions and educational initiatives.
- Capacity strengthening related to PSEA outreach.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be a local or national NGO.
- Operate within a humanitarian context or crisis-affected area.
- Demonstrate experience working directly with affected communities.
- Have the capacity to implement community outreach activities.
- Be committed to Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) principles.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- ✅ Completed application form
- ✅ Organizational information
- ✅ Project proposal
- ✅ Proposed budget
- ✅ Supporting organizational documents (if requested)
- ✅ Evidence of NGO registration (where applicable)
How to Apply
Step 1: Carefully Read the Applicant Guidance
Before starting the application, review the official guidance document thoroughly. Understanding the fund's objectives will help you design a stronger proposal.
Step 2: Identify a Community Need
Assess the awareness gaps in your target community regarding sexual exploitation and abuse. Focus on real challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Step 3: Design a Localized Outreach Strategy
Develop communication approaches that fit local languages, cultural norms, literacy levels, and community preferences.
Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget
Ensure that all proposed activities are practical, cost-effective, and directly linked to project outcomes.
Step 5: Complete and Submit the Application
Fill in all sections carefully and submit before the deadline of 14 June 2026 (23:59 CET).
How to Increase Your Chances
Many proposals fail because they focus only on activities rather than impact.
To strengthen your application:
- Demonstrate strong community involvement.
- Include women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other at-risk groups.
- Show how beneficiaries participated in project design.
- Use clear and measurable outcomes.
- Explain how materials will reach the intended audience.
- Highlight your organization's local knowledge and experience.
- Present a realistic implementation timeline.
Reviewers often favor projects that are practical, community-owned, and capable of producing lasting awareness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Submitting applications after the deadline
- ❌ Using generic project descriptions
- ❌ Failing to explain community participation
- ❌ Creating unrealistic budgets
- ❌ Ignoring local language requirements
- ❌ Providing unclear project objectives
- ❌ Leaving sections incomplete
Example of a Strong Applicant
A local NGO working with displaced communities identifies low awareness of reporting mechanisms for sexual exploitation and abuse.
The organization conducts consultations with community leaders, women, and youth groups before designing the project. It develops visual materials in local languages, organizes awareness sessions, and establishes feedback channels that are accessible to vulnerable populations.
This approach demonstrates community ownership, relevance, and measurable impact—qualities highly valued during the selection process.
Why You Should Apply
This fund offers more than financial support. It provides local organizations with an opportunity to lead protection efforts, strengthen community trust, and contribute to safer humanitarian responses.
Organizations selected under the program can also build long-term capacity and strengthen partnerships within the humanitarian sector.
Related Opportunities
- UNHCR NGO Partnership Opportunities
- UNICEF Community Engagement Grants
- UNDP Civil Society Funding Programs
- International Rescue Committee Small Grants Programs
Final Advice
Start preparing your application immediately. Strong proposals are built on genuine community engagement, clear objectives, and practical implementation plans.
Do not wait until the final days before the deadline. Give yourself enough time to review and improve every section of the application.
APPLY NOW
Official Application Portal:
https://icvanetwork.org/page/pseafund
Application Deadline: 14 June 2026 (23:59 CET)
