DiPS - Diaspora Project Support

Diaspora Project Support (DiPS) is a Danida-funded project under DRC’s Diaspora Programme providing financial and technical support to diaspora-led projects implemented in Somalia as well as capacity development for diaspora. DiPS Fund and capacity development activities are open to diaspora based in Denmark.

DiPS is a Danida-funded project under the Danish Refugee Council’s Diaspora Programme that aims to strengthen the capacity of diaspora organisations based in Denmark to contribute to sustainable development and humanitarian efforts. As of 2025, the DiPS fund will conclude its support to Afghan diaspora-led projects and will exclusively fund Somali diaspora initiatives.

The project provides support through two main components:

The DiPS Fund – Offering financial and technical assistance to impactful diaspora-led projects implemented in Somalia.
Capacity Development – Delivering workshops, one-on-one support, and tailored trainings to enhance organisational capacity and strategic engagement.

DiPS also offers tools and guidance to support partners throughout project implementation, from initial development to completion. It is one of several initiatives within DRC’s Diaspora Programme, which supports the role of diaspora as key transnational civil society actors. For more, read more about th e Diaspora Programme.

Update: Conclusion of DiPS Funding to Afghan Diaspora-Led Projects

After 15 years of impactful collaboration, DiPS is concluding its support for Afghan diaspora-led projects. Going forward, the DiPS funding mechanism will focus exclusively on Somali diaspora-led initiatives. This transition reflects a combination of evolving challenges, including:

Heightened risks and restrictions on civil society in Afghanistan
Operational and financial barriers to secure fund transfers and project monitoring
A decline in engagement and new applications from Afghan diaspora organisations

Honouring 15 Years of Impact

We extend our sincere gratitude to all Afghan diaspora partners who have contributed to building stronger communities, promoting inclusion, and supporting those affected by conflict and displacement. Since its inception, DiPS has proudly supported:

47 projects implemented
24 Afghan diaspora organisations engaged
Over 6.9 million DKK disbursed
Impact delivered across more than 15 provinces in Afghanistan

Opportunities for Continued Engagement

Although DiPS will no longer fund projects in Afghanistan, Afghan diaspora organisations are encouraged to continue their engagement through DRC’s Afghan Diaspora Engagement (ADE) initiative. ADE provides a platform for ongoing dialogue, networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within a safe and supportive framework.

For more information, please contact: [email protected].

Update: 2025 - A Transition Year

Starting in 2026, all DiPS funding calls and implementation processes will be fully transferred to and led by DRC’s Somalia Country Office. This includes responsibility for the selection process, contracting, and support to partner organisations. The Copenhagen-based team will remain involved in a reduced but strategic capacity, focused on diaspora capacity-building and engagement.

In light of these changes, the DiPS governance structure is currently under review to ensure it reflects the evolving responsibilities between DRC HQ and the Somalia Country Office. Further updates will be shared in due course.

The 2025 funding call, opening in July, will mark the final DiPS call coordinated by the Copenhagen-based team. A total of 1.2 million DKK will be made available to well-established Somali diaspora organisations based in Denmark. During this transition phase:

The Copenhagen-based team will lead the application assessment and project development phase in close consultation with the current Somali Advisory Board.
The DRC Somalia Country Office will manage project implementation, including follow-up, support, and contracting.