The Peace Support Fund was established in early 2014 and has in the past provided funding under two pillars, peace process and inter-communal harmony, since early 2015, the PSF has been pivoting its funding to the latter pillar and will now focus on supporting projects that contribute to inter-communal harmony and social cohesion. To mark this change, they have changed their name to Paung Sie Facility.
Their Goal
The goal of the PSF is to enhance social cohesion in Myanmar by supporting locally driven, catallytic initiatives and ideas.
A cohesive society is one which "works towards the wellbeing of all, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers everyone the opportunity to prosper and advance peacefully".
The PSF will fund activities and projects with different methodologies, but focused primarily on seeking to directly contribute to the enhancement of social cohesion or inter-communal harmony in Myanmar communities. Projects could, for instance, be focused on strengthening trust, confidence and communications among and between different communities and groups or sectors within communities, or identifying and responding to emerging areas of need or building capacity of communities to improve and transform relationships to enhance social cohesion.
Their Focus - What They Fund
The PSF provides funding to demand-driven, small-scale and tailored initiatives which contribute to social cohesion.
Funded projects range in size, duration, modality and focus, but a preference is given to small-scale, catalytic initiatives. We invite proposals from a range of organisations, local, national and international, but especially encourage national initiatives and organisations.
The PSF can fund projects, events, activities, training, and analysis which fall within the Criteria.
They also provide 'Funding +', needs-based organizational capability enhancement for partners in addition to grants.
Who Provides the Funding?
The PSF established in March 2014, receives funding from the United Kingdom's Department for International Development, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Government of Sweden.
Total funding made available through the PSF is currently USD 6 million per annum with disbursements made on a rolling basis, assessed against agreed criteria. As a multi-donor fund, the Peace Support Fund has been designed and structured to accommodate further donors should there be the interest or requirement.
The PSF works closely with other donors in Myanmar to ensure there is strong coordination between the activities and initiatives funded and those already in place on the ground and also co-finances projects with a range of donors and partners.
