Cash Hub by British Red Cross
09 September 2026
When a crisis strikes, organizations that have never worked with cash assistance before face a steep learning curve at the worst possible moment. Cash and voucher assistance can reach people faster and more flexibly than in-kind assistance, but only when the systems, skills and partnerships to deliver it are already in place.
The Netherlands Red Cross works with National Societies to build that readiness before it is needed. CVA preparedness is not about implementing a cash programme — it is about ensuring that when the moment comes, a National Society knows what to do, has the tools to do it, and has the relationships in place to do it well. That means working at both strategic and operational levels: from leadership commitment and organisational vision to practical systems, financial service provider agreements and staff capacity.
Support draws on the full range of Netherlands Red Cross expertise in cash and voucher assistance, integrating information management, digital tools and sectoral approaches like Cash for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Where relevant, this connects to Digital Cash and Voucher Assistance and the 121 Platform for Cash and Voucher Assistance. The goal is always local ownership: a National Society that can lead its own response without depending on external support.
Support has been provided across response preparedness, acute and protracted crisis contexts, in countries including Uganda, Zambia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan and beyond.
How we work together
Support starts with understanding where a National Society stands and where it wants to go. It can include:
- Conducting an initial consultation to understand the National Society’s capacities, ambitions and needs related to cash and voucher assistance
- Co-developing a plan of action that identifies priorities, timelines and required resources
- Providing remote and on-site support to implement the plan, using standard Red Cross Red Crescent Movement CVA Preparedness tools
- Supporting visioning and self-assessment at leadership and operational levels
- Facilitating integration of information management, digital tools and specialized approaches into preparedness planning
- Connecting National Societies to the broader Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s resources and standards
Local example
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Croix-Rouge de Côte d’Ivoire has been building its capacity in cash assistance with support from the Netherlands Red Cross and IFRC, working towards a position where cash assistance can be delivered to support vulnerable populations when a crisis strikes.
“Following a self-assessment, we developed an action plan to align our cash programming with national and international standards. We have strengthened our capacity, embedded cash assistance in our strategic plan, validated our standard operating procedures, and identified financial service providers. Today, the National Society feels ready to respond effectively to vulnerable people’s needs through cash assistance.”
Contact Person
Fernando Suarez Jimenez
Technical Advisor – Disaster Preparedness and Response
fsuarezjimenez@redcross.nl
