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  1. Resources

Glossary of Terms

First published in 2011, the CaLP Glossary is designed to facilitate a common understanding and harmonized use of terms and definitions for cash and voucher assistance (CVA). It should be noted that these definitions apply to the use of CVA in humanitarian programming and may not reflect how some terms are understood in other contexts or by other audiences. The glossary is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and German in both an online and PDF format. See the English glossary (pdf)

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Showing 5 of 129 Glossary terms

Fiat Currency

‘Fiat’ means a formal authorization. ‘Fiat currency’ is a common type of currency issued by official order, and whose value is based on the issuing authority's guarantee to pay the stated (face) amount on demand. A fiat currency's value is underpinned by the strength of the government that issues it, not its worth in gold or silver. All national currencies in circulation, issued and managed by the respective central banks, are fiat currencies. [Adapted from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/fiat-currency.html]

Financial Assistance

This term broadly encompasses any financial assistance received by an individual or household to help them alleviate humanitarian needs. This assistance may be provided through a range of mechanisms, including institutions (state or non-state) or directly from other individuals. It could therefore include: assistance categorised as Overseas Development Assistance, government-led social safety nets, peer-to-peer giving, insurance-backed mechanisms (including direct support to markets), Universal Basic Income, and remittances.

Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion means that a full suite of financial services is provided, with quality, to all who can use them, by a range of providers, to financially capable clients. [www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org]

Financial Service Provider (FSP)

An entity that provides financial services, which may include e-transfer services. Depending upon your context, financial service providers may include e-voucher companies, financial institutions (such as banks and microfinance institutions) or mobile network operators (MNOs). FSPs includes many entities (such as investment funds, insurance companies, accountancy firms) beyond those that offer humanitarian cash transfers or voucher services, hence within CTP literature FSP generally refers to those providing transfer services.

Framework Agreement

An outline of a contract, also known as an umbrella contract, or master services contract. Call off or draw down agreements are similar but include financial information. This usage provided by private sector. Humanitarian agencies may use the term differently.