Start Network is launching the Solidarity Fund, supported by the IKEA Foundation, to help humanitarian organisations continue their operations despite widespread funding reductions. The Fund provides rapid and flexible financial support to the Start Network membership.
This initiative is in response to the growing vulnerability of frontline organisations facing severe funding challenges. Earlier this year, multiple high-level donors announced significant funding cuts to life-saving operations. As a result, many humanitarian organisations are experiencing operational disruptions, financial strain, and staff reductions—at a time when global needs continue to rise.
In recent consultations with over 100 Start Network members, organisations reported suspended programmes, delayed humanitarian activities, and increasing pressure on communities already at risk. The Solidarity Fund was created to help address these urgent gaps and support continuity in humanitarian action.
About the Solidarity Fund
The Solidarity Fund is designed to:
- Support the continuation of life-saving activities at risk of suspension
- Assist organisations in implementing responsible exit plans where programme closures are unavoidable
- Bridge temporary funding gaps to maintain operations
The Fund is available exclusively to Start Network members who meet all of the following criteria:
- Are current members with a signed Network Membership Agreement
- Can provide documentation confirming the loss of USAID funding
- Can demonstrate that the funding loss has had a direct operational impact
Each member organisation may submit only one application.
International NGO (INGO) members must centrally coordinate a single application; multiple applications from different Country Offices will not be accepted.
Timelines
Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday 16 May, 2025
Proposal Review Panel: 19-22 May, 2025
Granting Process from Start Network to selected Members: 26-31 May, 2025
Implementation: 01 June - 31 December, 2025
Project Reporting: 01 January – 28 February, 2026
Online Briefing
We will be holding two drop-in sessions for members to answer any questions:
English / French - 06 May 2025, 09:00 -10:00 (BST)
English / Spanish - 06 May 2025, 16:00 -17:00 (BST)
Please refer to the Solidarity Fund FAQs for more information.
