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ODA eligibility database

CASE 38: CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (GCERF)

ODA-eligible

Specifications

Sector or themePeace and security: preventing violent extremism
Provider countrySwitzerland
Recipient countryDeveloping countries (unspecified)
Implementing agencySwiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Budget (USD x 1000)4468
Year(s)2015
Purpose codeN/A (multilateral)


  • The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) is the first global effort to support local, community-level initiatives that address the local drivers of violent extremism and strengthen resilience against violent extremist agendas. This international funding mechanism works in partnership with governments, civil society and the private sector in beneficiary countries to provide support to: specific local drivers of radicalisation; provide tangible, positive alternatives to what violent extremist groups may offer; counter violent extremist narratives and messaging; and build capacity of governments and civil society to prevent violent extremism. GCERF is governed by a fifteen-member board made up of representatives of governments (donor and beneficiary), civil society, the private sector and foundations.
  • Strengthen resilience against violent extremist agendas through community engagement; prevent recruitment and/or radicalisation to violence by addressing the local drivers of violent extremism. Of the USD 35.3 million approved budget for 2016, it is expected that USD 15 million will be for a new round of proposals in the three initial countries receiving support (Bangladesh, Mali and Nigeria), USD 15 million will be for grants to begin work in Kenya, Kosovo and Myanmar, and USD 5.3 million will cover Secretariat and governance costs. In 2017, the plan is to include three more countries for an estimated annual budget of USD 52.9 million. Discussions have begun for potential future inclusion of Indonesia, Tunisia and Kyrgyzstan.
  • Expected results are improved community resilience to recruitment and radicalisation to violent extremism in various developing countries.
  • This activity is deemed ODA-eligible (multilateral ODA contribution). GCERF was included on the DAC List of ODA-eligible international organisations in 2015 (Annex 2 of the Reporting Directives). Acknowledging that issues of conflict and fragility are important challenges to development and are areas that must be addressed in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth, the Reporting Directives explicitly mention preventing violent extremism, stating that “In the spirit of the recommendations of the 2016 UNSG Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism, activities preventing violent extremism in developing countries are reportable as ODA, as long as they are led by partner countries and their primary purpose is developmental.” They further clarify the ODA-eligibility with a list of examples of eligible activities. To be eligible for funding from GCERF, countries must be on the DAC List of ODA Recipients, face a challenge of radicalisation to violent extremism in the country, and have government commitment to address the issue.