The Danish Emergency Relief Fund (DERF) provides rapid and flexible humanitarian funding to small and medium-sized Danish civil society organisations responding to acute crises worldwide. Its purpose is to prevent loss of life and reduce suffering through localised, principled humanitarian action. DERF funding follows international humanitarian standards and has no fixed sectoral limitations within OECD-DAC countries.
Who they support #
DERF funding can be accessed by civil society organisations that are:
- Registered in Denmark, and
- Not part of a strategic partnership with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Support is intended for humanitarian responses assisting vulnerable populations affected by crisis situations.
Geographical focus: Global, within OECD-DAC eligible countries.
What support is available #
DERF provides financial support for urgent, life-saving humanitarian action, including:
- Needs assessments
- Safety and security measures
- Participation in coordination mechanisms
- Activities across humanitarian sectors such as:
agriculture in emergencies, education, health, nutrition, protection, emergency shelter, food security, water and sanitation, climate-related crises, camp management, and displacement-related interventions
DERF also offers advisory support to help applicants navigate the funding process.
How to apply #
DERF operates through periodic open calls. Applicants must review the current guidelines and deadlines through:
- DERF website: https://www.cisu.dk/derf
- DERF news and call updates: https://www.cisu.dk/derfnews
Applications can only be submitted by eligible Danish civil society organisations.
Response time #
Decisions on applications are typically made within 21 days.
Where to learn more #
Website: https://www.cisu.dk/derf
News and open calls: https://www.cisu.dk/derfnews
Email:
Google