Thematic Funding
UNICEF relies on voluntary contributions to uphold our mission of reaching every child.
Thematic Funding consists of pooled funds softly earmarked by partners to support UNICEF’s strategic plan. Resource partners can decide to allocate thematic funds to health; HIV and AIDS; nutrition; education; child protection; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); safe and clean environments; social protection; gender equality or humanitarian action pools at the global, regional and country levels.
Thematic Funds reduce costs by pooling resources to streamline programme management activities – from planning to reporting. They are allocated on an as-needed basis to support long-term planning and programme sustainability.
In 2020, our resource partners generously contributed US$438 million in Thematic Funding. Our top three partners were the Governments of Norway (US$113 million) and Sweden (US$45 million), and the German Committee for UNICEF (US$40 million). With their support, UNICEF was able to achieve stronger results for more children, including those who are hardest to reach.
Results for children
In 2020, Thematic Funding helped:
Thematic contributions by sector, 2020
Top 10 donors to thematic funding, 2020
| Rank | Resource partner | Total US$, millions |
| 1 | Norway | 113 |
| 2 | Sweden | 45 |
| 3 | German Committee for UNICEF | 40 |
| 4 | United States Fund for UNICEF | 33 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 33 |
| 6 | Denmark | 24 |
| 7 | United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF | 22 |
| 8 | Japan Committee for UNICEF | 22 |
| 9 | Korean Committee for UNICEF | 11 |
| 10 | Norwegian Committee for UNICEF | 11 |