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<p>Civil society organisations (CSOs) in the global south are key partners for DFID.
Many of DFID’s programmes support local CSOs in order to deliver humanitarian and
development outcomes, including providing humanitarian support to tackle the spread
and consequences of COVID-19. As DFID’s programming adapts to respond to COVID-19,
we are also considering what work needs to be adapted or paused as our partners are
affected by the pandemic, either directly or in response to the risk.</p><p>DFID’s
recent announcement of £200 million of funding to the global response, brings the
total announced funding to £744 million to support the global efforts to combat the
outbreak of the pandemic. This includes £20 million directly to CSOs to support them
on humanitarian response, the majority of which will go through the Rapid Response
Facility. It also includes £130 million for the UN agencies. CSOs based in the global
south will be able to access some of this funding as downstream partners. We are encouraging
the UN to channel the funding as quickly as possible, including to CSOs. Extra funding
opportunities will also be available through DFID’s new partnership with Unilever
to support hygiene practices in developing countries.</p><p>Much of DFID’s work is
delivered through our extensive country office network and we know CSOs play a key
role in delivery of our COVID-19 response through our country programmes. We are reviewing
our programme portfolio in light of the COVID-19 response which will enable us to
identify existing activities which can already support the response and others which
can be adapted or scaled up, such as our support to health systems and humanitarian
crises.</p><p>DFID is offering support to suppliers and partners where this is appropriate,
and will apply the provisions of the Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note and associated
guidance for grants, which allows for relief on services and goods provided in the
UK to DFID aid programmes as a last resort, and on a case-by-case basis for DFID contracts
and grants.</p>
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