Mercy Corps Ventures is excited to announce the Anticipatory Action Accelerator, designed to support innovative solutions that can prevent or reduce the impact of humanitarian crises before they strike. The program focuses on scaling anticipatory action to help vulnerable communities prepare for climate-related disasters and other shocks.
With global humanitarian assistance typically deployed reactively—only after a disaster has occurred—the Anticipatory Action Accelerator flips the script. The program aims to fund solutions that act before disasters happen, making aid 7x more cost-effective while improving outcomes for affected populations.
About the Opportunity
Around 300 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian assistance every year. However, the overwhelming majority of global aid is reactive, issued only after crises unfold. In 2023 alone, USD 223.7 billion was spent on humanitarian aid, with only 1% allocated toward anticipatory action that mitigates risks before they escalate.
Given that more than half of all humanitarian crises are predictable, anticipatory action presents a transformative opportunity. Research has shown that intervening prior to crises is 7x more cost-effective than waiting for disasters to strike. By providing pre-emptive solutions, we can strengthen resilience and ensure that vulnerable communities are better equipped to handle climate shocks.
Mercy Corps Ventures seeks to support initiatives that aim to reduce the effects of these crises through anticipatory action. Selected applicants will receive funding, mentorship, and other vital resources to help scale their innovative projects.
Eligibility Criteria
We encourage a diverse range of applicants with solutions that aim to reduce humanitarian risks. Below are the eligibility details:
Who Can Apply?
- Organizations & Social Enterprises:
- Non-profits, for-profits, and other organizations with innovative approaches to anticipatory action.
- Individual Innovators:
- Individuals working on solutions to reduce disaster risks before they occur.
Countries Eligible for Participation
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- The initiative seeks to partner with organizations operating in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Pacific Islands, and Western Balkans who are piloting Anticipatory Action solutions to improve humanitarian aid delivery.
Education Level / Expertise Required
- While no specific educational qualifications are required, applicants should demonstrate expertise or a proven track record in:
- Humanitarian aid.
- Disaster preparedness.
- Climate resilience.
- Risk management.
- Experience:
- Applicants must show practical experience or prior work in implementing solutions related to anticipatory action.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Proposals must focus on anticipatory action—interventions that take place before the disaster occurs.
- The proposed solution should have a clear measurable impact on improving resilience in vulnerable communities.
Program Details
The Anticipatory Action Accelerator offers a comprehensive support package to selected applicants, designed to help them scale their solutions effectively.
Program Duration
- The accelerator runs in multiple phases over a period of 6-12 months depending on the scope of the project.
Support Provided
- Funding:
- Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to qualifying proposals.
- Mentorship:
- Participants will receive expert mentorship, providing guidance on strategy, implementation, and scaling solutions.
- Advisory Support:
- Applicants will benefit from impact measurement advisory, helping track the effectiveness of their interventions.
- Networking Opportunities:
- Access to partnership opportunities and knowledge exchange with other innovators and stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.
Fees
- There are no fees to participate in the program.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Anticipatory Action Accelerator:
- Prepare Your Proposal:
- Complete the application form in English. We recommend drafting your responses in a separate document to avoid losing any information.
- Submit the Application:
- After completing the form, submit it directly via the application portal. You will receive an automatic confirmation email once your submission is successful.
- Review Process:
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, we encourage applicants to submit their proposals early to get quicker feedback.
- Required Documents:
- Along with your proposal, ensure you provide any relevant documents that can support your project’s impact and feasibility.
- Confirmation Email:
- You will receive a copy of your submitted application via email for your records.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline:
- The deadline for submitting applications is February 28, 2025 (extended from February 14).
- Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the earlier you will hear back.
- Webinar for Applicants:
- Date: January 30, 2025
- Time: 9 AM ET / 3 PM CET
- A webinar will be held to help applicants understand the application process and answer any questions you may have.
For more details and to start your application process, refer to the following resources:
- Application Portal: Access the portal to submit your proposal.
- Call for Applications: The official program announcement and additional details.
- Mercy Corps Ventures Website: Learn more about Mercy Corps Ventures and our mission.
- 2023 Impact Report: See the results and impacts of previous programs supported by Mercy Corps Ventures.
Applications for the Anticipatory Action Accelerator are now open. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Mercy Corps Ventures in developing solutions that enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable communities. Start your application now !
