Anticipation of flooding in Sudan
Anticipation of flooding in Sudan

Disaster Risk Financing

Disaster risk financing is a way of protecting people in advance of disasters by setting up forecast models, developing anticipatory plans and pre-arranging financing. Here you can learn more about DRF and access tools and resources that support the implementation of DRF systems in practice.

Start Network has disaster risk financing (DRF) programmes in eight countries, some already active and some in development. 

We can support members in building their own DRF systems. Once it is in place they can apply for coverage from pooled funds such as Start Ready.

What is disaster risk financing?

Disaster risk financing is a structured way to model and plan for risks. Start Network members with DRF systems in place are eligible to apply for funding from Start Ready. 

Through risk analysis, risk modelling and climate science, it is possible to predict the occurrence of disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones and heatwaves – and the impact they may have on the most vulnerable communities. 

This allows organisations to have plans in place ahead of disaster and funding ready to go when needed.

How it works

Disaster risk financing has three key elements:

  • using science and data to model and quantify risks in advance
  • pre-planning and pre-costing a crisis response
  • pre-positioning funds according to pre-agreed protocols so that when the conditions are met, funding is rapidly released.

Often, a group of organisations will act collectively to create a DRF system for their country or region, to tackle a specific risk.

Introduction to Disaster Risk Financing

Building your own DRF system

We have put together a step-by-step guide for NGOs interested in setting up a disaster risk financing system in a specific area, and applying for Start Ready coverage. This is called the Building Blocks framework and is available online

The seven Building Blocks are designed to help groups of members plan, build, evaluate, quality-assure and apply financing systems that suit their country’s needs. The framework allows members to define how they would like to implement the steps in each block, adapting them to the local situation and the infrastructure and skills already in place. 

We have also developed a series of training courses and materials for Start Network members that will guide them through the process.

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