Implementing impact-driven development and humanitarian programmes has never been simple — and today, it is more complex and uncertain than ever. From political instability and climate shocks to funding volatility and operational disruptions, risk is an unavoidable part of delivering change.
In response, our new strategy for 2026–2030 sets out how we will scale what works, deepen what we know, and engage more boldly with the sector to safeguard more programme impact when it matters most.
Why RPA Exists
RPA was created to address a critical gap in the system: when unforeseen obstacles threaten programme impact, relatively small amounts of flexible funding can make the difference between success and failure. At Risk Pool Alliance (RPA), we believe risk should not fall disproportionately on implementers or the communities they serve.
Since 2018, RPA has made 76 awards totalling just over $3 million, safeguarding programmes worth more than $145 million. Our model works because it is practical, discreet, and grounded in trust — enabling honest reporting of challenges and rapid, proportionate responses .
Our Vision for the Next Strategic Phase
Our vision remains simple and ambitious: despite obstacles, organisations can adapt to deliver impact-driven programmes.
Over the next five years, our mission is to pioneer and champion a resourcing approach that acknowledges, embraces, and collectively addresses risk — shifting how risk is understood and managed across development and humanitarian assistance .
Three Strategic Priorities
Our 2026–2030 strategy is built around three mutually reinforcing priorities:
- Safeguard more programme impact
We will open RPA to new funders from 2026, expanding access to our insurance-style model so that more implementers can overcome obstacles and stay on track. By growing our membership while maintaining our light structure and low overheads, we aim to protect more impact, more efficiently. - Drive a shift in how risk is understood and managed
Risk is often treated as something to be avoided or concealed. We want to change that. By generating and sharing evidence from real-world experience, RPA will contribute to more aligned perceptions of risk between funders and implementers — and promote more equitable, transparent partnerships. - Learn and adapt
Flexibility is central to RPA’s success. We will continue to strengthen our monitoring, evaluation and learning systems so that our decisions remain evidence-based, responsive, and grounded in what actually works on the ground .
How We Will Deliver: Fund, Evidence, Engage
To bring these priorities to life, our work will be guided by three interlocking approaches:
- Fund
We will expand our existing model, explore partnerships with pooled funds, and assess the feasibility of new options — including, in time, enabling implementers to buy into RPA directly. Our independent External Review Panel will remain central, ensuring timely, neutral decision-making informed by deep contextual expertise. - Evidence
From 2027, we will undertake targeted research on risk and equitable partnership, working with thought-leading organisations where possible. Insights will be shared through practical tools and products that inform better programme design and risk management across the sector. - Engage
RPA will be more outward-looking than ever. We will strengthen relationships with existing partners, attract new funders, and advocate for a healthier approach to risk — one that recognises uncertainty as inherent to impact-driven work, not a failure to be penalised .
Looking Ahead
In a world that feels increasingly unstable, the need for flexible, compassionate, and effective risk management has never been clearer. Our 2026–2030 strategy builds on strong foundations while setting a clear direction for growth, learning, and influence.
By safeguarding more impact, generating meaningful evidence, and engaging more widely with our sector, RPA aims not only to protect programmes — but to help reshape how risk is shared, understood, and addressed.
We look forward to working with funders, implementers, and partners who share our commitment to impact that endures, even when the unexpected happens.