Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF)
The Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) is the quickest, most efficient and most transparent way of getting funding directly to local humanitarian actors—both before and immediately after a crisis hits.
About the DREF
Every year, small and medium-sized disasters occur in silence. Without media attention or international visibility, they can struggle to attract funding—putting affected communities at risk of being completely neglected.
To support these smaller disasters, or to provide initial funding before launching an Emergency Appeal, we rapidly channel funding to Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through the DREF—enabling them to deliver fast and effective local humanitarian action.
The DREF in detail
How does it work?
The DREF is a central pot of money through which we can release funds rapidly to National Societies for early action and immediate disaster response.
How is it funded?
The IFRC runs an annual DREF appeal to maintain the balance of funds required to meet National Society demand.
Anticipatory Pillar
The Anticipatory Pillar of the DREF enables National Societies to take early action in advance of a hazard, saving lives and protecting livelihoods.
Watch: What is the DREF?
DREF Pledging Conference 2023
Photo: IFRC
In 2022, the IFRC raised an impressive CHF 43 million for DREF. This year, our target is CHF 75 million. Additionally, during the Pledging Conference, we aim to secure CHF 5 million specifically for the DREF insurance premium.
The Pledging Conference will take place at the IFRC Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17 November 2023 from 9:30 to 13:00. The conference will include presentations by the IFRC and National Societies, a panel discussion and pledging statements.
Please note that this conference is by invitation only. Access to the formal e-registration system and a formal invitation was sent by email.
Please click here for the live broadcast link to the conference.
You can read more about the 2022 Pledging Conference in this article.
Guidance and support for National Societies
Photo: IFRC/Ponipate
We want to make sure that each of our 191 National Societies knows how to request, has the capacity to process and knows how to report on DREF funding. We have therefore developed specific DREF guidelines for National Societies, as well as an introduction to DREF eLearning course available in English, French, Arabic and Spanish.
We are also developing a range of practical DREF tools and resources to promote a culture of operational learning across our global network. If you are from a National Society and would like to access these resources, please contact Marco Vargas (Delegate, DREF Capacity Strengthening).
Related documents
IFRC-DREF 2023 Mid-Year Report
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DREF Brochure 2023
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DREF Annual Report 2022
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DREF Annual Plan 2023
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