PCPM Foundation holds DG ECHO Humanitarian Partner Certificate

The PCPM Foundation holds the EU Humanitarian Partnership Certificate, awarded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). This is one of the most important validations of quality, professionalism, and credibility for organizations operating in the humanitarian sector.

What is the EU Humanitarian Partner Certificate?

The EU Humanitarian Partner Certificate is an official document issued by DG ECHO – the European Commission’s directorate responsible for European civil protection and humanitarian aid.

It can be compared to an EU quality mark in the humanitarian sector, recognized worldwide. It confirms that an organization meets the legal, managerial, and operational standards required to implement humanitarian actions funded by the European Commission.

To obtain and maintain the certificate, an organization must meet, among other requirements:

• Compliance with humanitarian principles – adherence to neutrality, impartiality, independence, and beneficiary protection standards.
• Operational capacity – readiness to act professionally and ethically in crisis and conflict zones.
• Financial management and transparency – full transparency in expenditure and procedural stability.
• Compliance with national, EU, and international norms and legal regulations.

Why does holding the certificate matter?

The status of an official EU humanitarian partner is a clear signal to governments, international organizations, and private donors that PCPM meets the highest standards and is a trustworthy partner with established procedures.

Thanks to the certificate, the Foundation can:

• Apply for funding for humanitarian actions under DG ECHO mechanisms.
• Conclude grant agreements in line with the European Union’s model procedures.
• Implement projects based on EU-recognized principles for preparing and delivering humanitarian interventions.

DG ECHO cooperates with around 200 partner organizations worldwide, including European NGOs, international organizations (including UN agencies), and specialized agencies of EU Member States. Holding the certificate places PCPM among this group of recognized partners delivering EU-funded humanitarian aid.

Through certification and participation in DG ECHO programs, we can extend food, medical, and shelter assistance to even more people affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts.

As one of the few Polish organizations to hold this certification, we confirm that Poland’s NGO sector is developing in line with the highest global standards in humanitarian aid.

Obtaining the EU Humanitarian Partner Certificate coincides with PCPM’s 20th anniversary. For the entire team, it is confirmation that in our daily work we adhere to the highest professional standards. It is not only a source of pride, but above all a commitment to continue working even more effectively where people need support the most.

More information can be found here: https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/partnerships/humanitarian-partners_en