PMI IMPACT's third funding round is here

Image

/content/dam/pmi-impact/images/pmi-impact_banner-news.jpg

Main Text

Philip Morris International (PMI) is calling for proposals for the third funding round of PMI IMPACT, its global initiative helping to fund projects dedicated to supporting and advancing the fight against illegal trade. The initiative will be accepting project proposals from public, private, or nonprofit organizations, such as governmental and international associations, academic institutions, and private companies.

PMI IMPACT's third funding round will support a broad range of projects designed to tackle the multi-faceted and multinational illicit trade across different geographies. Its objective is to reduce or prevent illegal trade, and counter its negative consequences for individuals, their families, and communities. PMI IMPACT will promote tangible and practical solutions against illegal trade, while leveraging public-private collaboration to achieve sustainable results against the global threat.

The program will be open to applicants worldwide; however, all proposals must address the funding round theme and focus on one of the following topics:

1. Border control

2. Capacity building

3. Restorative justice and victims' protection

4. Network engagements, awareness building and international cooperation

5. COVID-19 and the threat of illicit trade

PMI IMPACT will be accepting proposals from projects aimed at limiting the threats of counterfeited and substandard vaccines, medicines, medicinal supplies, and personal protective equipment. As we continue to contend with the impact of COVID-19, bringing innovation and technological advancement is essential in the fight against contraband and counterfeited goods.

Once again, PMI IMPACT is honored to rely on the deep knowledge of the Expert Council, which includes some of the world's leading specialists in the field of law, human rights, anti-corruption, and technology. The council of external independent experts will play a key part in the selection process, helping to decide which projects will be awarded the grant from PMI.

Navi Pillay, human rights advocate and member of the PMI IMPACT Expert Council, said: "PMI IMPACT offers a platform for organizations to bring resolutions to tackle the problematic reality of illegal trade. We are looking forward to evaluating the applications in the third funding round - the level of interest the initiative receives is truly remarkable. It is promising to see so many fantastic organizations working resolutely to fight illicit trade."

Those interested can apply for the third funding round before one of the three deadlines for submission of applications:

 

• First submission deadline: September 15, 2021
• Second submission deadline: April 15, 2022
• Third submission deadline: August 15, 2022.

Throughout the first and second funding rounds, PMI IMPACT has supported projects covering a range of activities making a lasting impact on illegal trade. This includes working with research programs to enhance knowledge on illegal trade, helping educational initiatives improve public awareness of the issue, and funding the development of technological solutions to facilitate anti-illicit efforts.

PMI had pledged USD 100 million to fund the first three rounds of grants; to date, PMI IMPACT has allocated a combined $48 million for the implementation of 60 projects in 30 countries as part of the initiative's first and second funding rounds.

Illegal trade remains a persistent and complex global problem. Its various forms - ranging from illicit tobacco trade to drugs, arms, and wildlife trafficking - are infinitely interlinked, with criminals exploiting large-scale smuggling routes and corrupt networks. It impacts society in wide-ranging ways, depriving governments and taxpayers of much needed revenues, taking business away from legitimate operators, deceiving consumers with products of uncertain quality, and undermining the public's welfare and security.

Alvise Giustiniani, Vice President Illicit Trade Prevention at PMI, said: "Illicit trade knows no borders, and effective measures are needed to fight this international threat, which is a top priority for PMI as it undermines all our efforts toward delivering a smoke-free future - a future that can one day be without cigarette. Now in its third funding round, PMI IMPACT once more welcomes applications for funding for new projects that can enable sustainable solutions in the battle against illegal trade. More than ever, we need programs like PMI IMPACT that exchange expertise and bring together organizations, ideas, and solutions to eradicate illegal trade."

To express an interest in putting forward a proposal for PMI IMPACT's third funding round, please contact the project office of PMI IMPACT at impact@pmi.com