What is the Start Financing Facility?

The Start Finance Facility connects frontline responders to risk data and finance, so they are better prepared to respond to crises at scale. 

In addition to Start Network's existing financing mechanisms, such as the Start Fund, the Start Financing Facility includes a new service that will provide pre-agreed funding at scale for predictable crises – using innovative risk analysis, collective planning and pre-positioned financing.

Local knowledge and leadership are integral to the success of this new model. Start Network hubs will work with the Start Financing Facility team to develop a risk strategy and then apply for funding. Funds are pre-allocated, so if the need is there, the funding will be too.

The Start Financing Facility uses global finance principles to make every pound go further. For example, by risk pooling, we use funding more efficiently. Instead of having pots of funding pre-positioned for specific crises or particular countries, which are not always needed, we can pool risk making the funding stretch further.

This new service is not yet operational, we are now seeking funds to bring this new model for crisis action to the sector. To find out how you can support, please contact fundraising@startnetwork.org

Why the Start Financing Facility is needed

Hear reflections from Start Network colleagues in Bangladesh, The Philippines and Pakistan.

SFF Financing Mechanisms

In addition to the new SFF service, the wider facility includes a variety of funding mechanisms.

How the Start Financing Facility model will work

Step 1

National networks of NGOs identify and prioritise risks.

Step 2

These risks are then categorised as ‘unpredictable’ or ‘predictable’. Unpredictable risks are supported by Start Funds, while predictable risks will go through the SFF's new service

Step 3

National networks of NGOs develop their country system to monitor and manage the risks they have prioritised.

Step 4

National networks of NGOs apply for coverage from the Start Financing Facility, which is approved by a panel including members of national governance structures, and risk experts

Step 5

The Start Finance Facility governance committee decides on funding allocations and shares the most efficient ways to pre-position funding, using the services on offer:

Contingency funds – such as the Start Fund and Start Fund Bangladesh, for regular crises of mild severity, small to medium-sized crises, where likely impact is low.

Risk pool – for predictable moderate crises, where it is more efficient to share risks across other hazards.

Insurance – for rarely seen, extreme crises where risk needs to be transferred to a third party.

Step 6

The Start Financing Facility pre-positions funding, so it is ready to be triggered when needed.