[4][5][6][7][8] The CALP Network originated in the Overseas Development Institute Humanitarian Policy Group Tsunami Cash Learning Project, convened in 2005 after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and involving five humanitarian organisations – the British Red Cross Society, Concern Worldwide, Mercy Corps, Oxfam GB, and Save the Children UK – interested in sharing lessons arising out of the use of cash support in the Tsunami's aftermath and with a view to supporting capacity building and developing training material; conducting research and gathering evidence; and advocating for coordination, contingency planning, and preparedness to encourage the appropriate use of CVA.

[2] As well as the production of thematic resources arising from research,[13] CALP produces periodic "State of the World's Cash" reports providing a comprehensive view of CVA, and setting out recommendations for the near term.

[14] CALP also works to promote research by members and others in the wider networks in the field, such as a year-long study funded by Concern Worldwide, Cash transfers in humanitarian programmes: assessing cost-efficiency.

[16] CALP has, since 2011, maintained a public-facing glossary of cash transfers related terms, the purpose of which is to define and harmonise terminology used within the CVA community to encourage common understanding.

2016 also marked a significant moment as CALP's Minimum Standard for Market Analysis was published and achieved the status of Sphere companion.

Members currently include local and international non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, the Red Cross/Crescent Movement, donors, specialist social innovation, technology and financial services companies, researchers and academics, and individual practitioners.