What is the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF)?
GCERF is the first global effort to support local, community-level initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience against violent extremist agendas. Operating at the nexus of security and development, GCERF is committed to working in partnership and consultation with governments, civil society, and the private sector in beneficiary countries to address the local drivers of violent extremism. In its initial phase GCERF was supported by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF).
GCERF is a non-profit foundation incorporated in September 2014 under Swiss law with its headquarters and small Secretariat team based in Geneva. It is governed by a 15-member Board made up of representatives of governments (donor and beneficiary), civil society, the private sector, and foundations, which met for the first time in November 2014.
Who can donate to GCERF?
GCERF welcomes donations from governments, international organisations, foundations, corporations and individuals.
As of October 2018, contributions and pledges totalling over USD 70 million have been made by the governments of Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Japan, Liechtenstein, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
How will funds contributed to GCERF be used?
GCERF is a funding mechanism; it does not design or implement its own programs, but solicits proposals for funding from community-based organisations such as worker’s groups, women’s organizations, social entrepreneurs, and human rights activists, in countries that the Board approves as eligible.
GCERF currently has two streams of funding:
- The Core Funding Mechanism (CFM) which is currently in a pilot stage. It relies on eligible countries forming a multi-stakeholder Country Support Mechanism that provides a needs assessment and solicits interest from local community organisations for funding. CFM applications will be reviewed by an independent technical review before a recommendation for funding is submitted to the Board for approval. The current eligible CFM countries for the pilot stage are Bangladesh, Mali, and Nigeria.
- The Accelerated Funding Mechanism (AFM) which is being directly managed by the Secretariat. It is designed as an urgent response to the challenges posed by the recent escalation in violent extremism worldwide and its current manifestations, especially at the moment in relation to ISIL.
In addition, donor funds will be used for the operating expenses of GCERF; in this start-up phase at approximately 15% of donations.
What kind of reporting can I expect from GCERF on the use of GCERF funds?
GCERF grantees will be subject to programmatic and financial reporting requirements, which will be consolidated by the Secretariat for reporting to its donors and its full Board. In addition, GCERF’s audited financial statements will be shared with the Board and, once approved, posted on its website. GCERF will operate transparently at all times.
How can my organization donate to GCERF?
Contributions can be made to GCERF on an unrestricted basis or a restricted basis. Unrestricted contributions will be acknowledged in writing by GCERF and will be used for the CFM and operating expenses. Restricted contributions, including those restricted to the AFM, must be set out in a written agreement stipulating the restricted uses of the funds. Pursuant to the Board-approved Policy on Contributions, restricted contributions are subject to an allocation of 15% to cover GCERF’s operating expenses.
Can my country/organisation report contributions to GCERF as Official Development Assistance (ODA)?
GCERF has been approved and will be included on the ODA-Eligible International Organisation List. As such, donors will be able to report their full contributions to GCERF as multilateral ODA.
How can I/my country/organisation participate in GCERF’s governance mechanisms?
The Governing Board works on a constituency basis. There are currently five seats reserved for government donors, one seat for foundations, and one seat for the private sector. New donors interested in joining the Board will be accommodated into the appropriate constituency.
For further information please contact the Executive Director Dr Khalid Koser at info@gcerf.org
