Membership

Becoming a member of the Ethiopian Humanitarian National CSOs Forum (EHNCF) means joining a strong network of locally registered, non‐profit, non‐partisan organizations with a full-time presence in Ethiopia. Members must hold valid Ministry of Justice registration, pay annual dues, and receive endorsement from our Steering Committee. In return, they gain access to unrivalled information‐sharing platforms, coordination forums, policy advocacy channels, capacity‐building initiatives, and security support – all designed to amplify local CSO impact and strengthen collective humanitarian and development outcomes.

Who

Local, non-profit, non-partisan CSOs with full-time presence in Ethiopia and valid MOJ/ACSO registration.

What

Annual membership in EHNCF, granting access to information networks, coordination forums, advocacy channels, capacity-building, and security support.

Why

To amplify your organization’s impact, influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and drive sustainable, locally-led humanitarian and development outcomes.

To join EHNCSF, your organization must be a locally registered, non-profit CSO with a full-time presence in Ethiopia and valid Ministry of Justice/ACSO credentials. For-profit entities and international NGOs without an Ethiopian office are not eligible.

Legal Registration

Must hold a valid Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Certificate and an active ACSO serial number.

Organization Type

Open to local NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and faith-based CSOs.

Presence and Status

Must have a full-time office or program presence in Ethiopia and Operate as non-profit, non-partisan, non-political, and non-proselytizing entities.

Exclusions

For-profit companies, international NGOs without a local office, and political organizations.

Becoming a member of EHNCSF offers practical value to your organization, enhancing your effectiveness and influence in Ethiopia’s humanitarian space.

Information Sharing & Communication

Access to a unique, transparent information network relevant to members and stakeholders.

Coordination

Participation in structured meetings and external coordination with stakeholders for aligned action.

Representation & Advocacy

Representation in policy forums, advocacy initiatives, and lobbying on common issues.

Local NGO Development

Capacity-building, specialized forums, and opportunities for engagement with INGOs and donors.

Security Support

Access to security information, training, and advocacy on maintaining humanitarian space.

Membership is renewed annually, with renewal notifications typically sent in January. Renewal requires completing the standard application form.

1. Complete the Membership Application Form.
2. Await endorsement from the Steering Committee (meets bi-weekly).
3. Present your organization and activities at a Country Directors or National Directors group meeting for a membership vote.

Organizations can apply for Observer Status to use forum services without voting rights. This requires a letter explaining the reasons for seeking observer status, reviewed by the Steering Committee.