The MHH Funding Tracker
The first central source of information on funding for menstrual health and hygiene (MHH).
A living database everyone can use and contribute to.
Designed to catalyse advocacy and action.
Why we need the MHH Funding Tracker and what it does
There currently is no central source of information on funding for MHH. As a result, advocates are left without critical information to hold existing funders to account and/or to push for more funding for this neglected issue.
Why is that so? MHH is not explicitly included in the SDGs. Funders are not required to report funding for MHH to the OECD-DAC system or other databases that track funding across different thematic areas.
Our goal is to help fill this information gap. The MHH Funding Tracker is an open-access searchable database that collates and summarises major funding commitents explicitly earmarked for MHH of USD 1 million and above. It covers funding from all types of funders - governments, philanthropy, corporates, etc - at international, national and local level starting in 2018.
The MHH Funding Tracker is a collaborative effort: the more organizations contribute information, the more comprehensive, relevant and useful it will become.
Important to note:
the MHH Funding tracker only includes funding that has been published or directly reported to us by the respective funder
the MHH Funding Tracker is exemplary, not exhaustive
the MHH Funding Tracker tracks commitments to funding, not actual spending
How can I use the MHH Funding Tracker?
The information included in the MHH Funding Tracker can be used in different ways.
Use case 1: hold funders accountable for existing commitments to fund MHH
If the database shows that a funder has already committed funding to MHH, you can use the data to make sure that they deliver on what they promised. Ask them whether they invested the committed funds as planned/are on track to doing so or ask them them to continue/expand their funding for MHH.
Use case 2: use the data to build peer pressure to fund MHH
For instance, if you can show your government with this data that neighbouring countries are funding MHH education, this will go a long way to motivate them to take action, too. Similarly, if you want to convince a medium-sized foundation to add MHH to their funding areas, being able to show that major global foundations already funds work on MHH will be very helpful.
Who's behind the MHH Funding Tracker?
The MHH Funding Tracker is a collaborative effort led by Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) and WASH United, in partnership with leading sector organisations and networks working on MHH. By regularly contributing new information about funding for MHH, partners will help to ensure that the MHH Funding Tracker becomes as up-to-date, relevant and useful as possible.
Do YOU have information about funding for MHH of >USD 1 million that is not yet included in the database? Please contribute your information! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork
Search the database
Use the search box, the different filters and the sort menu to refine your search and to order your results.
Terminology explained
More details about what we mean with the terms used in the filters above.
Menstrual products
"Menstrual products" includes interventions that promote access to any type of single-use or reusable menstrual product and material, including product development, business model innovation and product standards.
Menstruation education & information
"Menstruation education & information" includes all types of interventions that provide any group of people with information about menstruation and MHH.
Stigma & taboos
"Stigma & taboos" includes any type of effort aimed at raising awareness and tackling persisting stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation at societal level, including campaigning and media work.
WASH infrastructure
The term "WASH infrastructure" includes the construction and maintenance of period-friendly water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, provision of water and soap and menstrual waste management.
Health services
"Health services" includes professional guidance on pain, discomfort and related reproductive health, and dedicated health care facilities.
Advocacy
"Advocacy" includes interventions aimed at policy change, increased political relevance and increased funding for MHH..
Research & learning
"Research & learning" includes any type of research, evidence generation and capacity building & exchange, such as conference.
Types of funders and funding
Re funders, we distinguish between governments (national, state level and local), UN agencies, private sector, foundations and individual donors.
Re types of funding, we distinguish between grants, service contracts, public budgets and donations. "Other" includes any other type of funding, such as loans, development impact bonds, convertible debt, etc.