About HSDF
Somali leadership. Community trust. Shared progress.
We are a Somali-owned and Somali-led organization connecting life-saving assistance with long-term development across Somalia.
Four priorities · one community-led direction
Community-rooted by design
Local knowledge turns assistance into lasting progress.
HSDF partners with vulnerable communities to address immediate humanitarian needs while strengthening long-term resilience and self-reliance. Deep local knowledge and trusted community networks help our teams shape culturally appropriate, accountable, and effective programs.
Somali-lednational leadership
90%+national professionals
04core program areas
We work collaboratively with Somali communities to provide life-saving humanitarian support and foster sustainable development through locally led programs, inclusive approaches, and strategic international partnerships.
Our values
The way we show up matters.
These commitments guide decisions from program design through delivery, learning, and exit.
Local ownership & leadership
Communities are partners and decision-makers, not passive recipients.
Equity & inclusion
Programs are designed to reach women, children, and people most at risk.
Transparency & accountability
Clear feedback, responsible stewardship, and learning guide our work.
Sustainability & resilience
Every intervention is shaped around durable systems and self-reliance.
Collaboration & partnerships
Shared expertise and coordinated action increase collective impact.
Main objectives
From urgent relief to durable opportunity.
Eight connected objectives focus HSDF’s contribution to a more resilient and equitable Somalia.
- 01
Deliver timely, life-saving assistance to vulnerable and crisis-affected communities.
- 02
Expand inclusive education and vocational skills for youth and community self-reliance.
- 03
Strengthen health and nutrition outcomes for women, children, and at-risk groups.
- 04
Improve food security and incomes through climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods.
- 05
Advance community-led access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
- 06
Promote climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management.
- 07
Advance gender equality, protection, and social inclusion across all programs.
- 08
Strengthen community capacity, local governance, and civic engagement.
Governance
National leadership, accountable management.
HSDF is governed by a Somali-majority Board of Directors and led by a Somali Executive Director. More than 90% of staff are national professionals with strong local knowledge and community networks.
Explore our standards