We innovate to find new approaches to funding that are proactive and that reach people at risk quickly.
Strategy 2024-2026
Our focus for these three years reaffirms our commitment to humanitarian system change, modelled through practical action. We will focus on our key strengths and value offer as a networker, funder, innovator and influencer to help transform the sector into a more equitable, ethical and pro-active in protecting communities.
Locally-led action: The missing link in crisis finance
Reflecting on the recent report from the High-Level Panel on Closing the Crisis Protection Gap, our policy experts share key takeaways and way forward.
A new era of humanitarian action
Start Network is made up of 134 humanitarian agencies across six continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs
10 YEARS OF START FUND
2024 marked a decade of impact for Start Network's Start Fund. Launched in 2014, the Start Fund has become a vital mechanism, empowering our circa 100 member organisations to deliver swift and anticipatory humanitarian action around the world.
Our reach
Crisis alerts we respond to around the world.
An Open Letter from the members of Start Network to the Global Donor Community: An Opportunity for Transformation
We, the Members of Start Network, are appalled that the poorest of the world have, once again, been dealt a devastating blow – the unwitting victims of power struggles and political interests far from their own making.
Read more
Case Study: Anticipation of Tropical Cyclone (Cyclone Biparjoy) in India – Alert 722
With a predicted landfall on the 16th of June, Start Network member SEEDS raised an anticipation alert for Cyclone Biparjoy and commenced anticipatory action. SEEDS used their innovative disaster modelling tool to predict that 900,000 people were at risk, with most coastal homes vulnerable to severe damage.
This case study explores how our member organization responded to the crisis.
Areas of work
Start Network’s vision is for a more balanced international aid system that is accountable to people affected by or at risk of crises.
Start Network is based on innovation: looking for new ways to create the system change that will shape a more effective humanitarian system.
Where we work
Americas
Americas
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Guatemala
Guatemala Hub
The Guatemala Hub is a space that seeks to guarantee the life, security and justice of people in conditions of vulnerability.
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Venezuela
Flooding in South America
Intense rains caused ravines to overflow and water systems to collapse in Venezuela.
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Central and South America
Start Fund Response
Start Fund provides rapid response funding to under-the-radar, small to medium-scale crises, filling a critical gap in the humanitarian aid system.
Europe
Europe
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Ukraine
The need for a more equitable humanitarian response
Start Network's approach to the Ukraine crisis is based on learning from other larger-scale crises that the Start Fund has responded to in the past.
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Serbia, Bulgaria
Migration Emergency Response Fund
The objective of the MERF was to rapidly respond to acute and emerging gaps and changes in needs along migration route.
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Greece, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia
European Refugee Response
Start Network co-ordinated a two phase response to the European Refugee Crisis through ERR1 and ERR2.
Africa
Africa
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DRC
DRC Hub
The mission of the DRC Hub is to build a proactive operating system to mitigate the impact of natural, man-made and other disasters,
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Somalia
Somali Humanitarian Hub
The Somali Humanitarian Hub (SHH) is a locally led humanitarian system, integrating humanitarian, development, and peace programming within Somalia.
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South Sudan
South Sudan Hub
The South Sudan Hub comprises local, national, and international NGOs, advocating for a humanitarian architecture characterised by dependable, flexible, adequate, and needs-based funding.
Asia
Asia
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Bangladesh, Nepal
National Start Funds
National Start Funds are there to finance locally led humanitarian action, with members managing their own funds for the benefit of their own communities.
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India
INDIA HUMANITARIAN HUB
IHH prioritises locally led action and leadership by bringing together local, national, and international humanitarian agencies across India.
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The Philippines, Bangladesh
FOREWARN
The Forecast-based, Warning, Analysis, and Response Network aims to quickly bring together the right people to predict disasters and support humanitarians closest to an anticipated crisis.
Oceania
Oceania
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Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati
Pacific Region Hub
The Pacific Humanitarian FALE is working to engage locally led humanitarian actors so that they can provide services that ensure the lives of people are safeguarded in any crisis.
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Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati
THE LOCALISATION OF HUMANITARIAN ACTION IN THE PACIFIC
Josie Flint from HAG speaks about the work they have been doing and the influence that the Start Network has had on this.
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Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati
Assembly held in Fiji, FALE-PASIFIKA
The word "fale" refers to a house that is meaningful and has a purpose when people occupy it.
Our members
The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)
Cesvi
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS)
Age International
Trócaire
HelpAge International UK
Muslim Aid
War Child
ActionAid
Sukaar Foundation Tharparkar
Relief International
LASOONA
Welfare Association Jared
Environmental Protection Society (EPS)
Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)
ACTED
Rural Development Organization Buner
Solidarités International
Bright Star Development Society Balochistan (BSDSB)
Appui aux Femmes Démunies et Enfants Marginalisés (AFEDEM)
Help Foundation
Muslim Hands UK
Agricultural Development Association (PARC)
Medair
Asociación de Servicios Comunitarios de Salud (ASECSA)
Youth Organization
Humanity & Inclusion UK (Handicap International)
Manzil Organization Balochistan
Save the Children UK
Muzaffarabad Poverty Alleviation Programme
Catholic Relief Services - United States Conference of Bishops
Islamic Relief
Yuganter
GOAL
Sami Foundation
Veer Development Organization
Oxfam GB
Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V.
EHSAR Foundation
Initiative for Development and Empowerment Axis (IDEA)
Dorcas Aid International
AFPDE asbl (Association des Femmes pour la Promotion et le Développement Endogène)
Mechanism for Rational Change (MRC)
Rural Development Foundation (RDF)
Azat Foundation
Sangtani Women Rural Development Organization (SWRDO)
Rural Empowerment and Institutional Development (REPID)
Nari Development Organization (NDO)
EHD
Community World Service Asia
People in Need (PIN)
Participatory Rural Development Society (PRDS)
Caritas Bangladesh
Caritas Goma
Christian Aid
Caritas Sri Lanka
Community Development Foundation (CDF)
Cordaid
North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS)
Action Against Hunger UK
Concern Worldwide (UK)
Care International UK
Qatar Charity
CADENA
Health & Nutrition Development Society (HANDS)
Doaba Foundation
MIDEFEHOPS ASBL
Wajir South Development Association
Doctors of the World
Plan International
National Integrated Development Association (NIDA-Pakistan)
Farmers Development Organization
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
Laar Humanitarian and Development Programme (LHDP)
Society for Mobilization Advocacy and Justice (SMAAJ)
Caritas India
World Vision
PRO-VIDA
Association for Gender Awareness & Human Empowerment (AGAHE)
TearFund
World Jewish Relief
Updates
All updates
Evaluation of Start Ready Activation for Drought in Madagascar
This report evaluates a Start Ready activation for drought in Madagascar and discusses how similar actions can be improved in the future.
Who is still talking about gender?
How we can better incorporate gender principles in short-term humanitarian programming.
Building the Future of the Philippines Hub
Reflections from the Incubation Workshop by Acting Hub Coordinator Anna Maria Socorro M. Abalahin
Disaster Hackathon 2.0: Empowering Youth to Innovate Local Solutions and Transform Disaster Management
The FOREWARN Bangladesh Disaster Hackathon 2.0, held in September 2024, ignited energy, creativity, and enthusiasm among young innovators from across Bangladesh.
The Journey of Start Bangladesh Hub: A Story of Progress and Impact
Start Bangladesh Hub, a collective of local, national, and international NGOs and civil society working together for inclusive humanitarian systems, is currently on an exciting journey of growth.
Noreen Gumbo
Start Network pays tribute to our longstanding trustee Noreen Gumbo.
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