The Anticipatory Pillar is a fast, reliable and efficient way of getting money to Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in anticipation of disasters. It helps them save lives and reduce, or even prevent, the damage and losses caused by disasters on communities.

It uses a forecast-based financing approach. Based on meteorological forecasts and risk analysis, we agree funding to National Societies for early action in advance of a predicted hazard. Money is then released automatically when pre-defined forecast thresholds or ‘triggers’ are met.

Early Action Protocols (EAP) are formal plans produced by National Societies. They outline the early actions that will be taken when a specific hazard is forecasted to impact communities.

The Early Action Protocol provides preapproved funding for up to five years and include the following:

• Pre-positioning of the stock needed to enable early actions
• Annual readiness activities so the National Society is prepared and on standby to respond
• Pre-agreed early action activities designed to save lives and livelihoods once a hazard is forecasted

Simplified Early Action Protocols (sEAP) are a lighter approach available to Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, also drawing on the principles of forecast-based financing.

They are simplified plans with a lower budget and a shorter life span than a full EAP. A National Society can have up to three Simplified Early Action Protocols, each focusing on one hazard.

Any National Society can develop an Early Action Protocol or a Simplified Early Action Protocol for a specific hazard and apply for funding from the IFRC-DREF’s Anticipatory Pillar. For more information, download the brochure below or contact IFRC-DREF Senior Officer Malika Noisette