Local and National Programme Hosts: A Case Study of Eco-social Development Organisation Hosting the Disaster Risk Financing Programme, Bangladesh

Start Network aims for a locally-led humanitarian system, and the transition is already underway through the development of networks (known as ‘hubs’). Start Network hubs are collectives of local, national, and international organisations or humanitarian responders operating in the same country or region. Hubs come together through a vision of system change, to tackle the deep-rooted issues in humanitarian responses within their contexts. They are supported by the Global Start Network but ultimately, they control their resources and define their responses to crises affecting and threatening their communities.

As well as hubs, Start Network supports locally owned funding mechanisms. Examples of locally-owned funding mechanisms include national Start Funds in Bangladesh (referred to as Start Bangladesh since they began hub exploration in 2023) and Nepal, with another national fund being developed in Ukraine at the time of this report being produced. National Start Funds are rapid emergency funds that activate within 72 hours of a crisis, they are owned by member non-governmental organisations (NGO) in the relevant countries. Member organisations are responsible for governance and decision-making on how funding is spent through participatory decision-making processes led by their local knowledge.

This research aims to understand the experience of LNNGOs when they are hosting programmes through the case study of ESDO hosting the DRF programme in Bangladesh. Through the case study, Start Network will enquire into the experiences of a local organisation hosting a DRF programme to understand the best practices Start Network should follow in providing operational and financial support.