Institutionalization as an enabler for CTP ScaleUp

It is widely acknowledged, that the institutionalization of CTP is key for achieving cash capacity at scale. Investing in enabling systems, operational guidance, and capacities, will help to make the call for “cash based programming as a preferred and default method of support, where markets and operational contexts permit” a reality.
In October 2015, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), together with the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) organized a 2-days Cash Learning Event, bringing together practitioners with varying backgrounds and levels of experience in CTP and international experts. The agenda of the event focused on presenting the main discussion threads currently influencing CTP policies and practices.

As a result of input and side discussions during the Cash Learning Event, and following-up on an identified need for investing in CTP preparedness, a consortium of four Germany based NGOs is currently being supported by GFFO to address opportunities and challenges of CTP institutionalization (total project period of 12,5 months).
DKH has engaged with CaLP and jointly developed a programme involving activities for all the participating NGOs and individual support to each actor. These include the introduction and the application of the newly revised CaLP ‘Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool’ (OCAT), as well as technical support at recommendation stage resulting in a ‘Plan of Action’ for CTP institutionalization tailored to the status quo, strategy and needs of each participating actor. While overarching capacity needs/gaps identified on the basis of individual Plans of Actions can be addressed together, there is additional room for tailor-made support targeted to each individual organization.

This cooperation is a pilot, both for CaLP and the participating NGOs in the application of the newly revised CTP OCAT tool which forms the basis of CaLP’s new Strengthening Institutional Capacity Programme for CTP.
Any comments, similar initiatives, questions or suggestions are highly welcome!