CERF is the short name of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund. CERF is one of the fastest ways to get urgent aid to the world's most vulnerable people whenever and wherever crises hit. Contributions to CERF will help to save lives and reach the millions of people trapped in disasters and conflict. The Central Emergency Response Fund is managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). CERF, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 as the United Nations global emergency response fund, is primarily funded by United Nations member states. But it also accepts donations from corporations, foundations and individuals.