Funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the UN’s global emergency response fund to deliver funding quickly to humanitarian responders and bring greater balance to emergency assistance.

CERF grant allocations are made for two reasons:

1. To ensure a rapid response to sudden-onset emergencies or to rapidly deteriorating conditions in an existing emergency.
2. To support humanitarian response activities within an underfunded emergency.

Rapid Response

CERF rapid response funds can help to reduce the inconsistency and delays humanitarian organizations may experience when receiving voluntary contributions. Rapid response funds help support life-saving, humanitarian activities in the initial stages of a sudden-onset crisis. They may also be used to respond to time-critical requirements or a significant deterioration in an existing emergency.

Underfunded Emergencies

One third of CERF grants are earmarked for underfunded emergencies. Twice a year, the ERC allocates to selected countries grants from the underfunded emergencies window. In countries with an HRP, the CERF underfunded emergencies window can only fund HRP projects.

For additional information about CERF, please visit the global webpage: cerf.un.org