Understand people’s priorities
Listen to people affected by crisis. Record needs, existing capacities, barriers and whose perspectives are missing.
Design / Standards / Delivery
Humanitarian project design
Begin with the priorities, capacities and choices of people affected by crisis. Work with communities and local partners to design a response they can influence.
Design the response together
Agree intended changes, delivery choices and partner responsibilities. Explain how people can influence the response.
Stay accountable
Resource accessible feedback, complaints and safeguarding. Track whether support is useful and adapt with communities.
Primary references
Standards and planning guidance.
Apply the relevant edition and sector guidance to the actual context.
SphereProject design
Sphere Handbook ↗
Humanitarian principles and minimum standards for WASH, food security and nutrition, shelter and health.
Use contextually; the 2018 handbook contains the older CHS edition.
Programme and technical teamsLink reviewed 4 November 2026
CHS Alliance, Groupe URD and SphereProject design
Core Humanitarian Standard 2024 ↗
Nine commitments provide a framework for quality and accountability to crisis-affected people.
Voluntary standard; follow any applicable award-specific obligations.
NGOs and humanitarian practitionersLink reviewed 4 November 2026
OCHAProject design
Humanitarian Programme Cycle ↗
Explains the coordinated cycle connecting analysis, planning, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Consult current country-specific plans and guidance; this overview contains historical context.
Programme and coordination teamsLink reviewed 4 November 2026
OCHAProject design
Response planning ↗
Explains how interagency response planning connects needs analysis with strategic objectives and monitoring.
Consult current country-specific processes and planning documents.
Programme and coordination teamsLink reviewed 4 November 2026
CALP NetworkProject design
Programme Quality Toolbox ↗
Cash and voucher assistance standards, actions, guidance and tools organized by programme stage.
CVA-specific guidance; assess suitability and risks in context.
Cash specialists and programme managersLink reviewed 4 November 2026
Design a response with people affected by crisis
Work with communities to turn their priorities, assessed needs and capacities into an accountable humanitarian response.
Read the guideAssess donor fit before investing in a proposal
Compare funding routes against eligibility, strategic priorities and delivery capacity.
Read the guidePrepare a proposal that can be delivered and audited
Build a coherent proposal and verify its evidence, budget and submission requirements.
Read the guide