Common Humanitarian Fund

Overview

The CHF is a multi-donor pooled fund used to support the timely allocation and disbursement of donor resources to the most critical humanitarian needs of Sudan under the direction of the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC). The CHF is used only for projects included in the Sudan Humanitarian Work Plan (HWP) with the exception of Emergency Reserve allocations which respond to sudden onset and unforeseen humanitarian needs. This includes projects classified as “Humanitarian” and “Early Recovery” categories in the HWP. The CHF allocates approximately $150 million per year and is supported annually by Member State contributions. The CHF was born out of the Humanitarian Reform initiative of 2004 which called for improved predictability and accountability in financing for humanitarian emergencies.

Allocation of Funds

The CHF provides grants to UN humanitarian agencies, and, via UNDP, to international and national NGOs. The CHF funds activities identified by humanitarian partners as the most urgent in the HWP. CHF allocations are made in three ways. Special allocations are made for the procurement of core pipeline supplies used by partners in life-saving sectors. Standard allocations, through which most funds are granted, are made in rounds throughout the year after a consultative process. Thirdly, the Emergency Reserve, a rapid response mechanism, allows for approximately ten percent of CHF funds to address unforeseen emergency needs as they arise.

Fund Source

CHF funds come from UN Member State contributions. Since its inception in 2006, eight donors have contributed more than $734.4 million to the CHF.

Fund Management

The HC is responsible for the use and management of the CHF. The OCHA Humanitarian Financing Section provides technical support to the HC on CHF allocations while the UNDP Fund Management Unit (FMU) acts as the CHF Administrative Agent. The FMU also acts as the Managing Agent for all CHF-funded NGO projects. The CHF Advisory Group is comprised of members of the humanitarian community representing the views of the donors, the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the NGO community and provides strategic guidance and advice to the HC in managing the CHF and its policies. The CHF Advisory Group also provides a forum for Representatives and the HC to discuss funding gaps and share information on funding coverage