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Introduction

Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) is a way of helping people during emergencies by giving them money or vouchers instead of goods like food or blankets. This lets people buy what they really need, when they need it, from local shops. It’s faster, more flexible, and often more respectful because it gives people more control over their lives. For example, someone might use the money to buy medicine, pay rent, or get school supplies for their children.

To explore more about how CVA works, visit the CALP Network—a leading organization dedicated to advancing and strengthening cash and voucher assistance programs: calpnetwork.org

Cryptocurrency and CVA​

Cryptocurrencies are providing new, innovative ways to deliver cash assistance, especially in places where traditional banking systems are slow, costly, or inaccessible. By using digital tokens on decentralized networks, humanitarian organizations can reach people faster, with more control and transparency.

What Is Cryptocurrency?​

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital money that works over the internet without needing a bank or middleman. Instead of being printed like paper money, it’s created and tracked using blockchain technology—a secure and transparent digital ledger that records all transactions.

Popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin and Ethereum, but in humanitarian settings, stablecoins like USDC or USDT are preferred. These are tied to real-world currencies (like the US Dollar), so their value stays stable, making them better suited for aid delivery.

The Role of Blockchain​

Blockchain is the system where cryptocurrency transactions are stored (like a database). A transaction simply means sending or receiving digital money—like when aid is sent to a beneficiary’s wallet. Blockchain works like a public ledger that everyone can see but no one can change. This makes each payment secure, easy to track, and trustworthy, helping ensure that aid goes to the right people and nothing gets lost or misused.

Benefits of Using Cryptocurrency​

  • Speed: Funds can be sent in minutes across borders without delays from banks or intermediaries.
  • Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain and can be tracked, helping ensure accountability from donor to recipient.
  • Security: Cryptographic technology secures transactions, making them difficult to hack or alter.
  • Global Accessibility and Payout: With just internet access, anyone can receive, hold, and use crypto across borders—no bank account required.

Challenges and Considerations​

  • Volatility: Some cryptocurrencies can change value quickly. That’s why stablecoins—crypto tokens tied to real-world currencies—are used in CVA.
  • Legal and Regulatory Constraints: Some countries restrict the use of crypto or lack clear regulations. It’s important to follow local laws.
  • Accessibility and Digital Literacy: Not everyone is familiar with digital wallets. Education and easy-to-use tools are essential to ensure beneficiaries can use crypto safely.

Digital CVA - Knowledge Base​

Digital Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) offers financial help to individuals and families during crises or development programs. Unlike traditional aid that provides physical goods, CVA gives people the freedom to choose and buy what they need most, whether it's food, shelter, or services.

Crypto helps send aid faster, cheaper, and more securely—especially in crisis zones or places with weak banking systems. It allows direct transfers to beneficiaries, reducing delays and middlemen. Stablecoins offer price stability, and all transactions are transparent and traceable on the blockchain. This builds trust, ensures accountability, and makes it easier to reach people in hard-to-access areas.

Rahat Platform Overview​

Rahat crypto transfer is a digital platform that helps deliver aid quickly and securely using cryptocurrency. It allows humanitarian organizations to:

  • Manage aid projects
  • Register recipients
  • Send funds directly to people’s digital wallets

Key Features​

  • QR code vouchers
  • Communication tools for voice and text messages
  • Vendor app for easy fund withdrawal using SMS
  • Fund tracking and real-time reporting for transparency

Partner Showcase​

  • Kotani Pay
  • UNICEF Venture Fund
  • Circle
  • Stellar

Blog Posts​

GitHub​

Glossary of Key Terms (A–Z)​

  • Beneficiary: A person receiving aid (crypto) in a CVA program.
  • Blockchain: A public, secure digital record system that stores all crypto transactions and can’t be changed.
  • Custodial Wallet: A wallet managed by a third party (like an exchange or offramping service), which holds the crypto on behalf of the user.
  • Disbursement: The act of sending aid funds (crypto) to a beneficiary’s wallet.
  • Gas Fees: Small costs paid to the blockchain for processing crypto transactions.
  • KYC/AML: “Know Your Customer” and “Anti-Money Laundering” rules to verify users' identities and prevent illegal activity.
  • MetaMask: A popular self-managed crypto wallet used in browsers or mobile apps to interact with blockchain applications.
  • Multisig Wallet: A wallet that requires multiple people/entities to approve a transaction, used for security in managing donor funds.
  • Offramping: Converting crypto into local money or mobile money.
  • Seed Phrase: A set of secret words like a password used to recover or back up a wallet. Losing it means losing access to the wallet forever.
  • Self-Managed Wallet: A wallet controlled fully by the user (e.g., MetaMask), where only the user has access.
  • Smart Contract: Code on the blockchain that runs automatically when conditions are met—like releasing aid after approval.
  • Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency with a fixed value, tied to a real currency like the US Dollar (e.g., USDC, USDT).
  • Treasury Wallet: The wallet address which holds the funds to be disbursed.
  • Transaction: The process of sending or receiving crypto from one wallet to another which is recorded in the blockchain.
  • Trigger: A signal or condition that starts the aid process—e.g., a flood warning triggering crypto disbursement.
  • Vendor: A shop or service provider that accepts crypto from beneficiaries in exchange for goods or services.
  • Wallet: A digital tool (app or extension) used to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency.