Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting applications for its Rapid Response Fund to support local and national actors delivering urgent humanitarian and disaster response interventions in Mozambique. The fund provides grants ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 150,000 to address critical needs in conflict- and disaster-affected communities across multiple humanitarian sectors.
Overview
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a call for applications under its Rapid Response Fund to strengthen the ability of local and national actors to deliver timely humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and preparedness responses.
The fund is designed to enable fast, flexible interventions that address urgent humanitarian needs arising from conflict, natural disasters, or other shocks, while reinforcing local response capacity and coordination.
Priority is given to interventions implemented in close collaboration with IOM, the humanitarian cluster system, the National Institute for Disaster Management, and other relevant stakeholders.
Geographic Focus and Priority Areas
Conflict- and disaster-affected areas of Mozambique are prioritized under this funding mechanism.
Other regions may be considered if applicants can clearly demonstrate immediate and urgent humanitarian needs supported by evidence and assessments.
Grant Size and Funding Range
Grants awarded under the Rapid Response Fund range as follows:
Minimum grant amount: USD 10,000
Maximum grant amount: USD 150,000
Funding is intended to support rapid, short-term humanitarian interventions rather than long-term development programming.
Focus Areas and Supported Sectors
The Rapid Response Fund supports a wide range of humanitarian and emergency response sectors.
Shelter, Settlements, and Non-Food Items
Eligible activities include:
Rapid distribution of emergency shelter kits, tarp kits, and non-food item kits supplied through IOM pipelines
Minor repairs to community infrastructure
Disaster-resilient shelter construction
Drainage improvement works
Site management services under Camp Coordination and Camp Management
Camp Coordination and Camp Management
Activities may include:
Site-level coordination and management services
Support to improve living conditions in displacement sites
Basic infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and resilience
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
WASH interventions focus on:
Procurement or distribution of hygiene kits and dignity kits
Water storage and water treatment kits
Tailored kits for individuals with specific needs
Rehabilitation and development of emergency WASH infrastructure
Hygiene promotion and awareness activities
Protection
Protection-focused activities include:
Support to emergency protection mechanisms
Risk mitigation activities
Awareness raising on gender-based violence and other protection risks
Information dissemination sessions for affected communities
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
MHPSS interventions may include:
Mental health awareness raising
Community-based psychosocial support activities
Psychosocial first aid
Support to community and peer support groups
Emergency Health
Emergency health activities prioritize:
Capacity strengthening of local health actors
Community health outreach initiatives
Preparedness and contingency actions
Individual support for people with specific needs
Health promotion activities integrated across interventions
Food Security and Livelihoods
Supported activities include:
Emergency food assistance
Livelihoods support for affected households
Preparedness and resilience-building initiatives
Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness
DRR and preparedness interventions aim to:
Strengthen community awareness and preparedness
Support local disaster response capacities
Promote community mobilization and risk reduction practices
Humanitarian Coordination
Coordination-focused support includes:
Information management activities
Rapid assessments demonstrating urgent humanitarian needs
Coordination initiatives aligned with cluster systems
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Local and national non-governmental organizations
Civil society organizations with humanitarian response experience
Organizations capable of rapid deployment and implementation
Actors able to coordinate effectively with IOM and national authorities
Organizations may apply either to respond immediately to identified needs or to be prequalified for future Rapid Response Fund activation.
How the Rapid Response Fund Works
Step-by-step process:
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Organizations submit applications or expressions of interest outlining urgent humanitarian needs
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IOM reviews proposals based on urgency, relevance, and implementation capacity
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Selected partners receive Rapid Response Fund grants
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Activities are implemented in coordination with IOM and relevant stakeholders
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Partners may be prequalified for future responses when new shocks or stressors occur
Why the IOM Rapid Response Fund Matters
The Rapid Response Fund is critical because it:
Enables fast humanitarian action in emergencies
Strengthens local and national response capacity
Supports coordinated, multi-sectoral humanitarian interventions
Addresses immediate life-saving and protection needs
Improves preparedness and resilience in disaster-prone communities
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly demonstrate urgent humanitarian needs
Align proposed activities with priority sectors
Show readiness for rapid implementation
Demonstrate coordination with clusters and national authorities
Highlight experience in emergency or disaster response
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting proposals without clear evidence of urgency
Proposing long-term development activities instead of rapid response actions
Weak coordination or stakeholder engagement plans
Unclear budgets or activities not aligned with approved sectors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the IOM Rapid Response Fund?
The fund supports rapid humanitarian, disaster response, and preparedness interventions led by local and national actors.
What is the funding range?
Grants range from USD 10,000 to USD 150,000.
Which sectors are eligible for funding?
Eligible sectors include Shelter and NFIs, CCCM, WASH, Protection, MHPSS, Emergency Health, Food Security and Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Humanitarian Coordination.
Is Mozambique the only eligible country?
Mozambique is prioritized, but other regions may be considered if urgent needs are clearly demonstrated.
Can organizations be prequalified for future funding?
Yes. Organizations may be prequalified to respond to future shocks or emergencies under the Rapid Response Fund.
Who can apply for this funding?
Local and national organizations with humanitarian response capacity and coordination experience.
Conclusion
The IOM Rapid Response Fund offers a critical opportunity for local and national actors to deliver fast, coordinated humanitarian assistance in response to emergencies.
By supporting multi-sectoral interventions, strengthening local capacity, and enabling rapid deployment, the fund plays a key role in protecting vulnerable communities and responding effectively to conflict and disaster-related shocks.
For more information, visit IOM.
