Understanding Philanthropic Funding in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies
The focus of this research is understanding the barriers and motivations to philanthropic investment in complex humanitarian emergencies.
Complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs) – where conflict, political instability and crises such as human suffering, climate shocks and widespread poverty are layered together – are increasing in severity and duration. At the same time, the humanitarian system has experienced major changes and funding from philanthropic organizations in these emergencies remains limited. However, philanthropy has played an important role in supporting communities in crisis and can do more.
Interviewee
"Crises are where humanity is tested. Philanthropy should show up there.”
To better understand the role of philanthropy in crisis contexts, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and Accountable Now completed research to:
- Identify the challenges that prevent new or additional philanthropic funding for humanitarian emergencies.
- Explore existing motivations for funders in CHEs.
- Provide recommendations for overcoming these barriers.
The research used a mixed methods design that included secondary research, a survey of philanthropic organizations and semi-structured interviews. Findings affirmed what we regularly observe – funders care deeply about human suffering and want to help. The results also highlighted that most funders feel unprepared to navigate crisis settings. Philanthropy is not indifferent, it is uncertain.
Interviewee
“If you show me how crisis work fits my mission, you’re halfway there.”
Although philanthropy cannot and should not replace the funding and responsibility of government, it is uniquely positioned to support crisis–affected communities by leveraging strengths including flexibility, trust, and the ability to take a long-term view and embrace risk.
Philanthropic resources, relational capital and deep care exist. What is missing is trusted guidance, clear pathways, peer support and connection to a narrative. Based on the research, we identified eight recommendations for increasing philanthropic engagement in complex humanitarian emergencies.
The report, “Philanthropy Isn’t Indifferent, It’s Uncertain: Understanding Philanthropic Funding in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies,” includes insights on philanthropy’s motivations and barriers, quotes from philanthropic leaders, and ideas for engaging funders successfully.