About the Ideas Bank
Elrha is a global organisaiton that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation. We work in partnership with the humanitarian community to generate evidence, support new approaches, and share what works.
A shared space for ideas that matter
Across the humanitarian community, new ideas are constantly emerging through research, innovation, and the lived experience of people responding to crises.
But too often, those ideas are shared once and then lost.
The Ideas Bank exists to capture those ideas, make them visible, and keep them open for exploration. It is a place to share early thinking, learn from each other, and explore new possibilities for improving humanitarian response.
How ideas are handled
Ideas submitted to the Ideas Bank are reviewed before being published. This helps ensure the platform remains clear, relevant, and respectful.
When someone expresses interest in an idea, Elrha acts as a first point of contact, helping to manage connections while protecting people’s privacy.
Some ideas may inform Elrha’s thinking or future work. But the primary purpose of the Ideas Bank is simply to make ideas visible and accessible to the wider humanitarian community.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a funding call or grant application?
No. The Ideas Bank is not a funding call or grant application process. It is a space to share, surface and connect promising ideas that could help improve humanitarian response. While ideas may inform future conversations, collaborations or funding opportunities, submission to the Ideas Bank does not constitute an application for funding.
Who can submit an idea?
Anyone working to improve humanitarian response can submit an idea. This includes practitioners, researchers, innovators, community-based actors, policymakers, and partners. Ideas at any stage of development are welcome.
Do ideas need to be fully developed?
No. Ideas do not need to be fully developed. You are welcome to submit:
- Early-stage concepts
- Reflections emerging from field experience
- Adaptations of existing approaches
- Partnership ideas
- Questions or provocations that need further exploration
You do not need a full proposal, detailed budget, or formal documentation. The Ideas Bank is designed to capture emerging thinking , not polished applications.
What happens after I submit an idea?
After submission:
- Your idea will be reviewed by the Elrha team.
- It may be included in the Ideas Bank collection.
- Ideas may be grouped with others around common themes.
- Insights may help inform future reflections, publications, or sector discussions.
The Ideas Bank is a light-touch, time-bound experiment. Not all ideas will move forward, but all submissions contribute to a broader understanding of emerging priorities and opportunities.
Will Elrha follow up on my idea?
Where possible, we will endeavour to follow up – particularly where:
- Clarification would strengthen the idea
- There is strong alignment with emerging sector priorities
- There may be potential for connection or collaboration
However, due to capacity constraints, we cannot guarantee individual feedback or ongoing engagement for every submission.
Can I edit or remove my idea later?
Yes.
You can request to edit or withdraw your submission at any time by contacting the Elrha team. We will make reasonable efforts to update or remove your idea from the Ideas Bank where feasible.
How is personal data handled?
Elrha handles personal data in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
Only necessary contact information will be collected.
Personal details will not be shared publicly without your consent.
Ideas may be shared publicly in summary or anonymised form unless you explicitly opt for attribution.
Data will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary for the purposes of the Ideas Bank.
If you have specific concerns about how your data is used, please contact us before submitting.
Get involved
The Ideas Bank is for anyone working to improve humanitarian response.
You don’t need to be an expert to take part. Early ideas, practical insights, and best-guess thinking are all welcome.