Eligibility

Patients gather at a mobile clinic in Lokema, Ituri province, DR Congo, October 2019.
Patients gather at a mobile clinic in Lokema, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, October 2019. The clinic serves both local residents and internally displaced people. The DRC Humanitarian Fund project, implemented by a consortium of NGOs, provides vital services in the region.

The eligibility process to receive direct funding from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Humanitarian Fund (DRC HF) consists of four steps: preliminary selection, registration, pre-verification, and internal capacity assessment (ICA). Through a questionnaire, the preliminary selection evaluates whether partners meet minimum standards related to humanitarian experience. Partners must register on the United Nations Partners Portal to initiate the process. Registration allows access to the Grant Management System (OneGMS), where essential information must be provided. 

  • STEP 1 - Identification of prospective partners: The Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU) opens a call for expressions of interest based on the needs of the humanitarian operation in the country, allowing interested organizations to submit their interest or complete preliminary questionnaires as needed. 
    • The HFU organizes awareness session for the humanitarian community to explain the process of the eligibility process. Typically, a calendar outlining the steps and key events will be shared with the clusters, AB and NGO forum. A supporting letter by the clusters remains one of the criteria for consideration of an eligibility request. 
  • STEP 2 - Pre-assessment and selection: An initial screening is conducted, which entails a review of due diligence documents to determine suitability for an in-depth capacity assessment.  If a partner fails to meet the required documents, the eligibility process is halted. If the criteria are met, the partner is given scores that factor into their overall ICA score. 
  • STEP 3 - Internal Capacity Assessment: The ICA aims to systematically evaluate the institutional, technical, managerial, and financial capacities of potential partners to ensure informed decisions on eligibility and associated risk levels. The process involves document reviews on-site visits, and interviews to assess compliance with policies. Scores in various capacity areas, such as governance and operational capacity, are calculated, requiring a minimum score for eligibility. 

Based on the assessment results, eligible partners are assigned one of three risk ratings—High, Medium, or Low—based on their Capacity Assessment scores. This risk level influences operational modalities, including grant condition, reporting and monitoring requirements. Each assessed organization receives recommendations to support capacity strengthening, which are expected to be undertaken and implemented. Those who fail the exclusion criteria get a summary report outlining the reasons. Partners who do not meet the selection criteria can request a new evaluation after 12 months.

For more information, please consult the detailed to INFO-DRC HF info-drchf@un.org  or contact the Fund Manager.