With development aid commitments on the rise, Myanmar has the potential to greatly strengthen the delivery of health, education, and other social services. However, while it is established practice for aid agencies to back state-led development strategies, this presents complications in some of Myanmar?s conflict affected areas where ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and associated networks have been the primary social service providers for decades. This study explores the significance of collaboration between the state and EAOs to peacebuilding and provides broad guidance on how international aid agencies can effectively direct social service spending to help build trust and support the peace process, and avoid further exacerbating conflicts.