Demystifying Humanitarian Financing

Focus areas

The 2016 ICVA learning stream on demystifying humanitarian financing is a series of webinars, videos and briefing papers to help NGOs better understand the various humanitarian financing mechanisms, influence policy related to humanitarian financing, and access funding.

Introduction

The 2016 World Humanitarian Summit reaffirmed the importance of NGO access to humanitarian financing. However, with the exception of well-resourced organisations, the majority of NGOs have a limited understanding of and influence over decisions related to humanitarian financing – and by extension, limited direct access to humanitarian financing.

 

In light of this, ICVA created an online learning stream, demystifying the complex humanitarian financing landscape. The stream specifically targets NGO staff, including field, policy and HQ staff. Short videos and briefing papers will help simplify complex topics. Webinars were organised in partnership with PHAP and are open to anyone interested in improving their understanding of humanitarian financing.

Topic One

The Humanitarian Financing Landscape - Realities and Emerging Trends for NGOs...

The humanitarian financing context is changing and how is this impacting NGOs?...
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

In the first webinar in this series on demystifying humanitarian financing experts from OECD, Development Initiatives, and World Vision gave presentations and answered questions regarding the current state of humanitarian financing and how recent trends are affecting NGOs.

The session concentrated on the current realities and emerging trends of humanitarian financing. Participants were provided with an overview of the different traditional and emerging financing streams coexisting in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on how NGOs access humanitarian funding and the challenges they currently face.

Topic One: The Humanitarian Financing landscape - Realities and Emerging Trends for NGOs

Humanitarian Financing: The Humanitarian Financing Landscape

This is a webinar recording regarding the current state of humanitarian financing and how recent trends are affecting NGOs.  Experts from OECD, Development Initiatives, and World Vision gave presentations and answered questions on the topic.

Topic One Resources

ICVA Paper
12 October 2016
Demystifying Humanitarian Financing: Topic One briefing paper
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
ICVA
12 October 2016
Humanitarian Financing Learning Stream: Topic One Webinar Q&A Follow-Up
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic One - Expert Interview
Description

Webinar questions and answer follow-up.

ICVA
12 October 2016
ICVA Humanitarian Financing Learning Stream: Topic One - More information
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic One - More information
Description

A list of links on where to find more information on this topic.

Topic Two

UN Humanitarian Funding - Demystifying NGO Access...

Understanding how UN partnership frameworks function and how humanitarian funding through the UN is evolving....
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

UN agencies often partner with international and local NGOs to implement humanitarian assistance and protection. NGOs, on their part, are faced with the challenge of understanding and dealing with different, and often complex, UN partnership frameworks. Understanding how these frameworks function and how humanitarian funding through the UN is evolving.

 

Experts from two major agencies – the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Program (WFP) – presented their organizations’ approaches to implementing partnerships and discussed challenges related to the existing funding modalities. Participants will be provided with an overview of key procedures, as well as trends and challenges regarding UN humanitarian funding opportunities for NGOs.

Topic Two: UN Humanitarian Funding - Demystifying NGO Access

Listen and watch this brief introduction video on topic two.

Humanitarian Financing: UN Humanitarian Funding – Demystifying NGO Access

This is a webinar recording on how UN partnership frameworks function and how humanitarian funding through the UN is evolving.

Topic Two Resources

ICVA
16 October 2016
Topic Two Webinar follow-up Question and Answers
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
ICVA Meeting Notes
16 October 2016
Expert Interview: Marcus Prior, World Food Program
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Screen Shot 2017-01-26 at 11.02.14
Description

Marcus, the Head of NGO Partnerships in the Partnerships, Advocacy and Coordination Division at WFP offers insight on UN Humanitarian Funding.

ICVA Paper
16 October 2016
Topic Two Briefing paper
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic Two Briefing Paper
Description

A synthesis of all information covered in this topic.

ICVA
16 October 2016
Topic Two: Additional resources and where to go for more information
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Additional Resources
Description

Want to learn more? Click on the document below.

Topic Three

Pooled Funding - How Can NGOs Engage?...

An overview of the different existing pooled funding mechanisms accessible directly to NGOs, including CBPFs, the START fund, and the NEAR network's pooled fund mechanism....
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

Pooled funds have enabled more timely and flexible funding for responding to sudden humanitarian crises, and have made it possible to operate in otherwise underfunded emergency settings. In the context of the World Humanitarian Summit, the UN Secretary General, recommended that member states and other donors should double the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to $1 billion, with the Grand Bargain calling for an exploration of whether NGOs could directly access CERF. The SG also called to increase the aid funneled through Country Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) to 15 per cent by 2018. Given the current and growing importance of pooled funding, it is important that humanitarian NGOs understand how these mechanisms function and how they can be accessed in order to be part of improving the overall response to humanitarian crises.

NGOs are also managing a growing number of pooled funding mechanisms. The START fund (established and managed by a consortium of NGOs) is providing a quick alternative avenue for NGOs to access timely humanitarian funding.  The NEAR Network is exploring options for NGO-run pooled funds at the local level.

ICVA and PHAP organised the third session of the humanitarian funding learning stream. The session provided participants with an overview of the different existing pooled funding mechanisms accessible directly to NGOs, including CBPFs, the START fund and the NEAR network’s pooled fund mechanism. Presenters addressed current challenges and opportunities regarding NGO access to pooled funds followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Awareness of the different existing pooled funds and familiarity with their raison d’être and history
  • Understanding of how NGOs can access the main pooled financing mechanisms, including the CBPFs, and NGO-led pooled funds
  • Awareness of the main challenges and opportunities for NGOs to access pooled funding
  • Knowledge of the different sources of information on humanitarian pooled funding
Topic Three: Pooled Funding - How Can NGOs Engage?

Listen and watch this brief introduction video on topic three.

Humanitarian Financing: Pooled Funding – How Can NGOs Engage?

This webinar recording provides an overview of the different existing pooled funding mechanisms with a focus on the CBPFs and pooled funds managed by NGOs.

Topic Three Resources

ICVA
12 April 2017
Topic Three - Pooled Funding: Webinar Follow up Questions
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Country Based Pooled Funds / Learning /
Topic Three - Webinar follow-up Questions and Answers
Description

Click below to access the unanswered questions from this topic’s webinar.

ICVA
12 April 2017
Expert Interview: Ben Garbutt, Humanitarian Funding Advisor, Oxfam
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic Three - Expert Interview
Description

Click to read Ben’s responses to a series of questions posed on NGO access to pooled funding.

ICVA Paper
12 April 2017
Topic Three Briefing Paper: Pooled Funding - how can NGOs engage
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Country Based Pooled Funds / Learning /
Topic Three Briefing Paper
Description

Click on Topic Three’s briefing paper to access a synthesis of all information covered in this topic.

ICVA
12 April 2017
Topic Three: Pooled Funding - More Information
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Country Based Pooled Funds / Learning /
Topic Three More Info
Description

Click on the document below to access more information discussed throughout this topic.

Topic Four

Bilateral Funding - Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for NGOs...

A general understanding of the bilateral humanitarian funding streams and trends, including the Grand Bargain reforms and the increasing relevance of non-DAC donors....
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

 

While bilateral funding between implementing organizations and donors can reduce transfer and administrative costs, such direct funding relationships can sometimes lead to challenges for NGOs. Different rules and requirements, pre-qualification requirements, delayed disbursements, and overly restrictive budget lines are just some of the issues frequently faced by NGOs.

Nonetheless, the Grand Bargain aims at bringing donors closer to implementing organizations and overcoming these challenges. At the same time, emerging donors are becoming increasingly important sources of funding for humanitarian organizations. ICVA and PHAP organised the fourth session of the humanitarian financing learning stream to help participants understand this changing context for NGO access to bilateral funding.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding of the concept of bilateral funding
  • Knowledge of the overall size, flows, and forms of bilateral funding and the main donors and recipients
  • Awareness of the main trends, challenges, and opportunities for NGOs trying to access funding from bi-lateral donors
  • Knowledge of the different sources of information on bilateral funding
Topic Four: Bilateral Funding - Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for NGOs

Listen and watch this brief introduction video on topic four.

Bilateral Funding - Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for NGOs

This webinar recording provides a clearer understanding of the changing context for NGOs and bilateral funding.

Topic Four Resources

ICVA
20 April 2017
Topic Four - Bilateral Funding: Webinar follow up questions
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic Four follow up questions
Description

Click below to access the unanswered questions from this topic’s webinar.

ICVA Paper
20 April 2017
Topic Four - Bilateral Funding: Briefing Paper
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic Four Briefing Paper
Description

A synthesis of all information covered in this topic.

ICVA
20 October 2017
Topic Four - Bilateral Funding: More Information
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Topic Four - More Information
Description

Click on the document below to access more information discussed throughout the topic.

Topic Five

Private Funding - A Growing Source for NGOs?...

To provide NGOs with a general understanding of private sector’s funding mechanisms, emerging trends (i.e. Islamic social financing) and fundraising opportunities from individuals...
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

 

Private funding of humanitarian work is changing – from having been primarily targeted at natural disaster response, in 2015, the response to the conflict in Syria received the majority of reported private funds. With most private funding channeled through non-governmental rather than governments or multi-lateral organizations, understanding current developments in private funding flows and mechanisms has become more pertinent than ever for NGOs.

ICVA and PHAP organised the fifth session of the humanitarian financing learning stream where private sector and NGO representatives explored current trends relating to private funding for humanitarian NGOs. Participants were provided with an overview of the different existing private funding mechanisms, with a particular focus on emerging trends such as private humanitarian innovation and Islamic social financing –as well as key challenges for NGOs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Awareness of the primary factors that drive funding from the private sector to the humanitarian sector
  • Familiarity with different sources of private funding, including donations, trusts, foundations, and fundraising campaigns
  • Awareness of the main trends and challenges regarding NGO access to private funding sources
  • Knowledge of the different sources of information on private funding
Topic Five: Private Funding - A Growing Source for NGOs?

Listen and watch this brief introduction video on topic five.

Humanitarian Financing: Private Funding - A Growing Source for NGOs?

This webinar recording focuses on the growing potential of private funding in the humanitarian sector. You will get an overview of the main existing private funding mechanisms with a particular focus on emerging trends and key challenges for NGOs.

Topic Five Resources

ICVA
27 April 2017
Topic Five - Private Funding: Webinar follow up questions
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Screen Shot 2017-04-06 at 15.46.31
Description

Check out the unanswered questions from this topic’s webinar.

ICVA
27 October 2017
Topic Five - Private Funding: Expert Interview
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Screen Shot 2017-04-06 at 15.56.04
Description

Click to read Annemieke’s responses to a series of questions posed on NGO access to private funding.

ICVA Paper
27 October 2017
Topic Five - Private Funding: Briefing Paper
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Screen Shot 2017-04-18 at 14.02.09
Description

Read the briefing paper to access overall content discussed throughout this topic.

ICVA
27 October 2017
Topic Five - Private Funding: More information
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Learning /
Screen Shot 2017-04-07 at 15.35.42
Description

Click this document to access further information discussed throughout this topic.

Topic Six

Grand Bargain and its Impact for NGOs...

An overview of the origins and current processes related to the Grand Bargain and how it might impact the work of NGOs....
Read more Double Arrow light blue
Introduction

 

Throughout PHAP’s and ICVA’s series on humanitarian financing, speakers have referred to a process that promises to significantly reshape humanitarian funding – the “Grand Bargain”. This package of commitments to improve humanitarian financing was launched at the World Humanitarian Summit last year and aims to reduce the humanitarian funding gap and improve funding processes. Given the interest expressed in this topic by participants in previous sessions, ICVA and PHAP hosted an additional event focusing on this reform process on 3 March 2017.

In this session, participants were provided with an overview of the origins and current processes related to the Grand Bargain and how it might impact the work of NGOs. Based on the interests expressed in previous sessions, the session focused on three areas of the Grand Bargain: increasing support to local and national responders, harmonized and simplified reporting, and the humanitarian-development nexus.

Learning Objectives:

  • Knowledge of the main processes (and their origins) and actors involved in the Grand Bargain
  • Awareness of the current trends and emerging policies in relation to increasing support to national and local responders
  • Awareness of the challenges faced by NGOs regarding the harmonization and simplification of reporting vis-à-vis donors
  • Familiarity with current discussions relating to the humanitarian-development nexus and its implications for humanitarian planning and funding
Topic Six: The Grand Bargain - Implications for NGOs

Listen and watch this brief introduction video on topic six.

Humanitarian Financing - The Grand Bargain and its Impact for NGOs

This webinar recording is an overview of the origins and current processes related to the Grand Bargain and how it might impact the work of NGOs.

Topic Six Resources

ICVA Paper
30 April 2017
The Grand Bargain explained: An ICVA briefing paper (March 2017)
Subject/ humanitarian financing / Grand Bargain / Learning /
Topic six briefing paper
Description

Click on this briefing paper to access all information – and more – shared throughout this topic.

ICVA
30 April 2017
Topic Six: The Grand Bargain: More Information
Subject/ Financing / humanitarian financing / Grand Bargain / Learning /
Topic six more information
Description

Check out more information discussed throughout this topic.

Briefing Paper
8 April 2022
The Grand Bargain 2.0 Explained - An ICVA Briefing Paper (2022)
Subject/ Grand Bargain / humanitarian financing /
The Grand Bargain Explained - An ICVA Briefing Paper
Description

Following the ‘Grand Bargain explained’ paper published in March 2017, ICVA has drafted the ‘Grand Bargain 2.0 explained’ briefing paper to support humanitarian actors, particularly NGOs, to better understand and engage in this new phase of the Grand Bargain 2.0 from 2021 – 2023.

Special thanks to The Amity Foundation for their diligent efforts in translating this essential document into Chinese.

Report
17 November 2021
The Grand Bargain at five years: an independent review
Subject/ Financing / Grand Bargain /
Grand Bargain “8+3” Template
27 March 2017
Resources: Grand Bargain “8+3” Template
Subject/ Grand Bargain / Financing /