Humanitarian project design

Develop an evidence-led programme and a coherent proposal: needs analysis, intervention logic, results framework, delivery model and budget, assessed against the actual funding opportunity.

From needs to a fundable response

Connect programme quality
with donor requirements.

The objective is a response that can be justified, financed, implemented and assessed. The priorities and choices of people affected by crisis remain central.

Needs, context and people: Establish the scale and severity of needs, affected groups, existing capacities, barriers and the evidence gaps. Explain how people and local partners influence the response.
Intervention logic: Translate the problem analysis into a theory of change, intended outcomes and a coherent results chain. Test causal assumptions, alternatives and the fit of the delivery modality.
Results framework and MEAL: Connect objectives, outputs and activities to indicators, baseline and target assumptions, data sources and responsibilities. Explain how findings will lead to decisions and adaptation.
Delivery and partnerships: Specify operational access, delivery capacity, partner responsibilities, localisation choices, safeguarding and accountability arrangements. Test feasibility against the country context.
Budget and implementation: Build the resource model around activities, staffing, time and partner roles. Reconcile the narrative, logframe, workplan and budget with the donor’s financial conditions.
Fit with the call: Map the programme to geographic and sector priorities, eligibility gates, assessment criteria and required evidence. Record constraints and uncertainty before committing to submission.

Compare donor priorities Planned proposal evaluation

Evidence and standards

Work from the right references.

Use the applicable humanitarian standards and current donor documents together. A standard, a call requirement and an editorial recommendation have different roles.

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