Resources
Here, you will find information on projects and strategies, tools, and resources related to SDC's cash and voucher assistance.
Resource Download List
SDC Toolbox_Linking Social Protection to Emergency Relief
Table: Potential entry points and food for thought for integrating Social Protection into emergency relief
Toolkit for GBV risk mitigation in CVA
The GBV-CVA Coordination Toolkit is a compilation of useful tools designed to assist humanitarian actors in integrating Gender-based Violence (GBV) into Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). It has been collaboratively developed with the support of an SHA member seconded as a GBV and CVA Programme Officer with UNFPA in Geneva.
Learning Brief - Mainstreaming Social Protection into programmes delivery and operations
This document, authored by Natacha Pugin, a SHA (Swiss Humanitarian Aid) member, shares insights from her secondment to WFP in Sri Lanka (September 2019–March 2022). Focused on integrating social protection into operations, it discusses challenges and opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief emphasises the importance of aligning social protection with broader development goals and concludes with recommendations for strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka.
Learning Brief - linking Social Assistance and humanitarian Cash
Authored by André Dürr in February 2021, this document explores linking social assistance (SA) and humanitarian cash assistance (HCA) in Jordan. It underscores the growing importance of cash transfers in addressing poverty and crises, especially in contexts of chronic poverty, conflict, and displacement. Focused on Jordan, it delves into the cash transfer landscape, operational actors, and efforts to modernise the National Aid Fund (NAF). The conclusion highlights potential benefits of linking SA and HCA, emphasising context-specific decision-making.
SDC Protection in Focus
This document explores unconventional aspects of gender in humanitarian responses, including women's increased mobility in displacement and men redefining their roles through interactions with children. On page 17 it examines the potential impact of humanitarian cash and voucher assistance (CVA) on gender-based violence, emphasising the responsibility of humanitarian actors to prioritise protection and avoid unintentional harm.
SDC CVA Operational Concept Note 2021-24
This operational concept note outlines SDC Humanitarian Aid’s (SDC/HA) approach to cash and voucher assistance (CVA) for the period 2021–24. It guides the operational and global engagement of all SDC/HA divisions and offices, linking with other SDC areas. Building on concepts from 2015–16 and 2017–20, it adapts to the evolving global CVA landscape.
SDC Reconstruction Manual
Guidelines and tools for the implementation of a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme in a post-conflict context based on best practices and lessons learnt in northern Sri Lanka from 2009 - 2015.
Final Evaluation Report
This report presents the outcomes of the final evaluation conducted in September 2008 by Yasemin Aysan in Trincomalee, supported by Christian Ubertini and Paul Harvey, with reference to the mid-term evaluation in October 2006. Commissioned by the Swiss Consortium of Swiss Solidarity, HEKS, Swiss Red Cross, and SDC, the report assesses the Cash for Repair and Reconstruction Project in Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2008.
Cash Transfer for Reconstruction Projects: A practical guide based on experience
This document provides guidance for individuals involved in large-scale owner driven reconstruction programmes post-natural disasters, drawing insights from the post-tsunami reconstruction in Sri Lanka (2004-2007) and the post-earthquake reconstruction in Pakistan (2005-2008), both utilising owner-driven reconstruction with conditional cash transfer methodology. The document, structured into three sections, outlines strategies, implementation issues, and key remarks.
Factsheet: Cash for Repair and Reconstruction Sri Lanka 2005-2007
The factsheet presents a summary of the Cash for Repair and Reconstruction Project in Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2007, initiated in response to the catastrophic damage caused by the Tsunami in December 2004.
SDC Cash Workbook
The SDC Cash Workbook 2007 is the result of experience and know-how gathered, accumulated, capitalised on and shared by the assessors, project managers, evaluators and desk officers involved. Its aim is to help improve and professionalise the planning and implementation of Cash Transfer Projects by providing tried-and-tested experience.
Highlighted Projects and Missions
Typhoon Yagi: Multipurpose Cash Assistance Program in Vietnam
Following the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam in September 2024, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) deployed a rapid response team and launched, among other activities, a cash assistance project to provide urgent relief to affected people and support their recovery efforts. The initiative reached 621 households – approximately 2,500 individuals - across eight districts in Yên Bái Province in Northwest Vietnam.
Rapid Response: Cash for Work in Haiti
After Hurricane Matthew's destruction in Haiti in October 2016, Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) acted swiftly. A Rapid Response team was deployed to severely affected regions. SHA introduced a "Cash for Work" initiative, aiding 2,000 households with income support for debris removal and road clearance. Collaborating with others, SHA also addressed immediate water and shelter needs.
Multipurpose Cash for Recovery: Locally-led Humanitarian Action in Guatemala
In late 2020, Guatemala grappled with severe crises as Tropical Depressions Eta and Iota struck, causing loss of life and extensive damage. Switzerland responded by deploying the GIAR and EEL teams, working with local partners to deliver aid and implement monetary distribution projects, empowering affected communities.
Linking Cash Transfers with Social Protection in Sri Lanka
Insights into a Swiss Humanitarian Aid member's secondment mission with WFP
Cash for Host Families in Aceh, Indonesia
In December 2004, a 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated Aceh, Indonesia, along with other regions. This natural disaster led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction, prompting the Indonesian Government's appeal for international assistance. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) acted swiftly, implementing an emergency response project known as Cash for Host Families.
Media & Press
- How blockchain technology is making humanitarian cash transfers faster and safer (24.01.2025) (only available in english)
A blockchain pilot project in Ukraine has demonstrated how modern technology can make humanitarian cash transfers faster, more secure, and more efficient. By using blockchain, aid organizations can ensure transparency, reduce transaction costs, and prevent fraud, as every transaction is recorded on an immutable digital ledger. The system allows for direct and instant cash transfers to beneficiaries, eliminating the need for intermediaries such as banks and reducing delays in crisis response. This approach is particularly beneficial in conflict zones or areas with weak financial infrastructure, ensuring that aid reaches those in need more reliably. The success of such projects highlights the potential of blockchain to revolutionize humanitarian assistance worldwide. - SDC Podcast Why Care?: «Cash is King» – auch in der humanitären Hilfe? (18.12.2024) (only available in german)
Stefan Bumbacher, guest of the third episode of WHY CARE?, explains the benefits of Cash & Voucher Assistance in humanitarian crisis situations. It provides a faster, more effective, and cost-efficient response. Most importantly, it puts the needs of the affected people at the center of the intervention, allowing them to regain a sense of dignity. While it is not the ideal solution for every situation, cash assistance complements a range of humanitarian aid mechanisms, each designed to best address the specific challenges of different contexts. - «Neugier ist der Schlüssel zu sehr vielem» (16.12.2024) (available only in German)
Der Architekt Ivan Vuarambon engagiert sich seit über 20 Jahren für die Fachgruppe Bau des Schweizerischen Korps für humanitäre Hilfe (SKH) und hat dabei weltweit mehr als 40 Einsätze geleitet. In einem Interview betont er die Bedeutung von Neugier und Erfahrung über reines technisches Wissen. Er hebt hervor, dass pragmatische Lösungen, die auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse und kulturellen Gegebenheiten vor Ort eingehen, entscheidend sind. Vuarambon sieht in der Neugier den Schlüssel, um verschiedene Sichtweisen zu integrieren und innovative Ansätze in der humanitären Hilfe zu entwickeln. - SDC Podcast A Plus for Humanity: SKH - 50 Jahre im Dienst der Humanitären Hilfe (19.05.2023) (only available in german)
Das Schweizerische Korps für humanitäre Hilfe (SKH) feiert seinen 50. Geburtstag. Sonia und Robert sind Mitglieder dieses einzigartigen Milizkorps, das Expertinnen und Experten in Krisen- und Katastrophensituationen weltweit einsetzt. Erfahre mehr über ihre bemerkenswerten Geschichten im Podcast Ein Plus für Menschlichkeit. - SDC's magazine for development and cooperation One World: Cash Transfers: A Ray of Hope (March 2023) (additionally available in german, french, italian)
Millions of people in north-eastern Nigeria suffer from violence perpetrated by Islamic militias. The SDC supports highly vulnerable households in Yobe with small cash amounts to enable them to eat healthy food and build new livelihood. - Cash für die Arbeit am Wiederaufbau (October 2022) (available in German and French)
Die Schweiz hat Pakistan nach den verheerenden Überschwemmungen mit 3 Millionen Franken unterstützt, wobei diese Mittel gezielt für humanitäre Projekte im Zusammenhang mit der Flutkatastrophe eingesetzt wurden. Ein zentraler Bestandteil der Hilfe ist das «Cash for Work»-Programm, das betroffenen Menschen finanzielle Unterstützung bietet, während sie aktiv am Wiederaufbau ihrer Gemeinden mitarbeiten. Dieses Modell soll nicht nur kurzfristige Hilfe leisten, sondern auch die lokale Wirtschaft stärken und die Eigenständigkeit der Menschen fördern. - SDC's magazine for development and cooperation One World: Strengthening Local Humanitarian Aid (January 2022) (additionally available in german, french, italian)
When a disaster strikes, Swiss Humanitarian Aid's rapid response teams are mobilised in Bern, ready for deployment. Concurrently, Switzerland also collaborates with local teams, for example in Latin America, where there is a very high risk of natural disasters. - SDC Podcast A Plus for Humanity: Jordanien - Mit Sozialhilfe durch die Covid-Krise (9.12.2021) (only available in german)
Unsere Reise in dieser Folge geht rund 4.000 Kilometer in den Südosten - nach Jordanien. Die Corona-Pandemie hat das Land schwer getroffen, die Wirtschaft leidet stark. Die Schweiz unterstützt das Land unter anderem mit der sogenannten "Cash for Social Assistance". Wie hilft diese Form der Unterstützung den Menschen vor Ort? - SDC's magazine for development and cooperation One World: A Social Safety Net to Halt the Downward Spiral (February 2021) (additionally available in german, french, italian)
Most of Haiti's population lives in unremitting poverty. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is supporting the most vulnerable people directly while also helping the government to establish a social security system. - Play SRF: «Einstein» im Krisengebiet – Wir helfen, was bringt’s? (07.11.2019) (only available in german)
Schweizerinnen und Schweizer helfen weltweit. Das hat eine lange Tradition. Doch was bleibt von der Hilfe und bringt sie etwas? «Einstein» begleitet Peter Hilty vom Schweizerischen Korps für Humanitäre Hilfe nach Mosambik. Ein breit erforschter Hilfsansatz sagt nun: Gib den Ärmsten direkt Bargeld in die Hand, ohne Bedingungen daran zu knüpfen – das hilft besser als jede Sachleistung. Was ist da dran? Wofür wird das Geld eingesetzt? Wird es verschleudert oder sogar missbraucht?
The Humanitarian: Ein Leben für die humanitäre Hilfe mit Andreas Deuble (only available in German)
Andreas Deubles’ fast 30-jährige humanitäre Karriere hat ihn auf Missionen rund um den Globus geführt, von seinen frühen Tagen mit einer kleinen NGO im Südsudan über seinen ersten SKH-Einsatz in Haiti bis hin zu seiner aktuellen SKH-Mission in Syrien – eine der vergessenen Krisen der Welt. Andreas erinnert sich an seine Anfänge in der humanitären Hilfe und berichtet von seiner aktuellen Rolle in Syrien.
The Humanitarian: Natacha Pugin et la longue crise humanitaire du Sri Lanka (only available in french)
Natacha Pugin (membre de l'expert group Cash) a contribué au renforcement des systèmes nationaux de protection sociale au Sri Lanka. Le pays est confronté à une crise sociale et économique sans précédent.
The Humanitarian: Neue Fachgruppe Cash: Mehrwert für die DEZA mit Stefan Bumbacher (only available in german)
Stefan Bumbacher übernimmt im Rahmen seiner Anstellung bei H-Operationen die Leitung der neuen Fachgruppe Cash ab Januar 2023. Er ist seit 2012 Mitglied des SKH und seit September 2019 Programmbeauftragter «Cash and Voucher Assistance» bei der DEZA. Stefan hat zahlreiche Einsätze als Cash Experte geleistet.
Un seul monde (fr): Les transferts monétaires questionnent l’aide humanitaire (p. 27)
Depuis quelques années, les sacs de riz ont fait place aux cartes électroniques sur les terrains de crise. L’assistance monétaire coïncide-t-elle avec un changement de paradigme? Les pays donateurs sont ils prêts à renoncer aux intérêts de leurs agriculteurs? Tour d’horizon.
Berner Zeitung (de): Ein "Cash" Experte der ersten Stunde
Im Sommer ist Karl-Friedrich Glombitza Landwirt. Doch jedes Jahr, wenn die Tage kürzer werden, tritt er eine Stelle in einem Krisengebiet an.
SDC's Public Project Database
Additional cash and voucher assistance projects are accessible through SDC's Public Project Database.
SDC CVA Document Repository
Collaborative and endorsed documents by SDC on the website of the CALP Network.
- Common Donor Approach to Humanitarian Cash Assistance (2025)
- External Evaluation of SDC/HA Emergency Cash Pilot For Earthquake Affected Households in Bubq, Albania
- Donor Cash Forum Statement and Guiding Principles on Interoperability of Data Systems in Humanitarian Cash Programming
- Good Practice Review on CVA in Contexts of High Inflation and Depreciation
- Joint Donor Statement on Humanitarian Cash Transfers