Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees
Today, most migrants and refugees find protection and opportunities in cities, and cities are at the forefront of fostering inclusive communities. The Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees al-lows for cities’ innovative ideas to foster migrants’ contribution to the sustainable development of their host cities. The project follows the IC strategy’s thematic priority on migration, strengthening cooperation with local actors, and builds on SDCs leading engagement in urban migration.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Global |
Migration Employment & economic development Governance
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
Urban development Decentralisation |
01.12.2024
- 31.12.2027 |
CHF 990’000
|
- GCF 2.0 is supporting 7 cities with high quality project proposals
- strong relations with and increased capacities of city actors for the implementation the projects
- community engagement plans ensuring the voice of migrants and refugees
- Other international or foreign NGO North
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
OTHER MULTISECTOR
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Facilitation of orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility
Urban development and management
Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F11498
| Background |
Cities are the primary destinations for migrants and refugees seeking safety, protection and opportunities. Mayors worldwide are stepping up to meet the needs of new residents—providing solutions in housing, healthcare, and employment—while unlocking migrants' potential and prosperity. City governments face systemic financial barriers that prevent them from delivering solutions at scale. The Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees (GCF) was created to channel funding to city governments to realise their projects, strengthening inclusion of migrants. The GCF will relaunch in December 2024 with a new funding round. The relaunch includes increased financial and technical support to grantees, and new capacity-building programs to maximize local impact and sustainability. The Mayors Migration Council (MMC) will broker partnerships between funders, cities, and technical experts, and test more ambitious, city-led solutions at the nexus with key issues such as climate change, economic inclusion, and early childhood development. |
| Objectives | Inclusion of migrants and refugees in cities in lower-middle income countries |
| Target groups |
Direct: Migrants and refugees living in cities and ur-ban areas, city actors, notably city authorities Indirect: members of host communities in vulnerable situations |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: Skills and competencies of city actors to design and implement inclusive projects enhanced. Outcome 2: Access to basic services, protection and socio-economic inclusion for migrants and refugees in cities improved. |
| Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: The GCF in its first funding round (not supported by SDC) raised USD 8 million to support 28 city projects in 22 countries, with over 25,000 people directly served. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Implementing partner
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisers (RPA) as fiscal sponsor of the Mayors Migration Council (MMC)
|
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
Global: Synergies with the global programme “Strengthening Systems of Secondary Cities” Bilateral: coordination depending on the city grant-ees to be explored in cooperation with geographic desks and Swiss representations. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 990’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 990’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 990’000 |
