The Grant component has two windows: Rapid Response and Underfunded Emergencies.

1. CERF Grants for Rapid Response

Prior to an Emergency 

OCHA, HC/RCs, and eligible UN humanitarian organizations should identify training and information needs related to use of the CERF to ensure adequate knowledge of CERF procedures. CERF procedures and the HC/RC leadership role will be element of all HC/RC inductions and orientations and annual HC/RC trainings. Relevant guidelines, application forms, model LoUs, etc, will be distributed through the IASC and by OCHA for onward distribution to field staff. 

OCHA will also provide necessary training to field staff to ensure effective support to the HC/RC in use of the CERF. Eligible humanitarian organizations and NGOs should also regularly update FTS data in order to avoid delays in CERF allocations due to incomplete funding information. HC/RCs should also keep the ERC informed of potential crises requiring support through the CERF. Contingency plans may also incorporate potential use of the CERF for deteriorating crises as a last resort if no other funds are available.

In fulfillment of those tasks, offices of the HC/RC will be assisted by the OCHA Office in the country, if present.

Triggering the Process

The HC/RC, assisted by the OCHA Office in the country, if present, should signal the need for rapid response funds from the CERF. The initial communication should provide a detailed justification including: (1) cause of the situation, (2) number of people affected, (3) description of humanitarian indicators and indications of any rapid deteriorations thereof, (4) displacement figures (new displacements), (5) implications if needs are not met, (6) indicative budget (if available) and (7) review of fund-raising efforts to date. This justification can take the form of a brief communication (letter, email). The HC/RC should also submit a detailed list of priority core emergency humanitarian needs following consultations with the IASC Country Team. The ERC will also proactively suggest potential uses of the CERF by alerting HCs/RCs when CERF funds may be appropriate and will urge the HC/RC to meet with the Country Team to analyze needs.

Click to download the CERF Application Template (last update: January 2009)

Click here to download the CERF Life-Saving Criteria (guidelines)

2. CERF Grants for Underfunded Emergencies

Click to download the CERF Technical Guidelines and Application Template for Underfunded Grants (last update: 31 July 2007).

Click here for more information

For agency specific questions, please contact the agency focal point.  For a list of contacts, please click here.

Funds for rapid response are limited to US$ 30 million for any one crises and programmes funded must be implemented within three months.  The Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) will determine the financial ceiling for each allocation. It is critical that applicants are in a position to ensure prompt action and utilisation of funds at the field level.

Applications should be approved by the Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator, who leads the UN and/or Humanitarian Country Team and establishes a priority list of life-saving projects to ensure coherence. This priority list is submitted to the ERC for consideration. Subsequently, agencies apply directly to the ERC based on this priority list.  In exceptional circumstances, applications will be considered from individual eligible organizations implementing programmes in crises areas without a UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator. 

When an application is submitted to the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), ERC will be guided by the following considerations:

• An application has been submitted by eligible agencies, i.e. UN and its funds, programmes, and special agencies, and International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• The application is based on demonstrable needs identified by quality field assessments.
• The UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator in the affected country has communicated to ERC that the application addresses priority life-saving needs.
• The project proposed by the applicant is feasible in terms of scale, time, access and capacity.
• ERC is satisfied that CERF funds will reduce loss of life and suffering by meeting one of the three objectives of the Fund:

  - ensure a rapid response to humanitarian needs due to sudden onset emergencies;
  - address urgent requirements due to rapid deterioration within an existing crisis;
  - provide life-saving assistance in chronically under-funded emergencies.

• Before providing eligible entities with grants, ERC will explore whether an advance from the loan component is a feasible option. The utilization of the loan element of the fund is guided by General Assembly Resolution 56/107 of 14 December 2001.

1. The operational organization should send a letter on agency letterhead to the ERC, with copy to the CERF Secretariat at cerf@un.org, specifying why the loan is needed and how exactly it will be used. The purpose of the loan must specify that it is a response to a humanitarian emergency. Loans must be repaid within one year from the date of disbursement.

2. A detailed budget for the overall loan amount must be attached using the CERF loan budget template.

CERF loan budget (Word - 24 June 2008)

3. A completed LOU. For a copy of the blank LOU, please send a request to Allison Watson with copy to cerf@un.org. Only one agency should be listed as the loan recipient. Note must be taken of clause 7B, which specifies reporting obligations.

4. Copies of pledge/commitment letters received by the agency which provide evidence that the operational organization will be able to repay the loan.

Amount which can be advanced

The ERC is responsible for determining the amount to be advanced in each situation. His decision may be based on:

• the current amount available in the loan element of the fund,
• anticipated needs in the near future for other loan requests, and
• documentation that the applicant will be able to repay the loan.

For additional Information

Queries related to the loan element should be forwarded to the CERF Secretariat at cerf@un.org.

The UN and its funds, programmes, and specialized agencies, as well as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are eligible to apply for grants or loans to implement life-saving activities based on demonstrable need.

Non-governmental organizations such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross may not apply directly for CERF funding, but may benefit indirectly through their partnership arrangements with eligible agencies and organizations.  Recipient agencies and organizations provide the ERC with periodic reports on the fund use and expenditures.  As Fund Manager, OCHA is not eligible for funds under the grant component.