THE NETWORK <br/>FOR CHANGE

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The future of the network

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Our aim is to deliver effective aid, harnessing the power and knowledge of the network to make faster and better decisions to help people affected by crises.

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News and blog articles from across the Start Network.

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About us

Leading for change in humanitarian aid

Start Network is made up of 42 aid agencies across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs. Together, our aim is to deliver more effective emergency aid, harnessing the power and knowledge of the network to help people affected by crises. We advocate for radical change in the system so that the world can deal better with the humanitarian challenges of today, and of the future.
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Localisation

We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

New forms of financing

Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

Collective innovation

New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively we can share expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

Latest

Resource

Navigating uncertainty: An approach for Start Fund decision-makers

Start Fund decision-makers face varying levels of uncertainty when making allocation and project selection decisions, particularly when making decisions around anticipation alerts or in the early stages of a crisis. How we navigate uncertainty as a network and as individuals is critical given the Start Network’s collective responsibility in managing the Start Fund.  This document introduces some ways to think about decision making under uncertainty.  Read more about the Start Fund.

18Oct18

Blog Post

Humanitarians and academics come together to tackle tough decisions

As a humanitarian network, we make difficult decisions. We make these decisions quickly, and regularly.

18Oct18

Blog Post

The African Risk Capacity Replica

What are the significant challenges that humanitarian organisations face today when responding to disasters?

16Oct18

Blog Post

The Start Fund Learning Grant

In summer 2016, the Start Fund decided to revise the learning grant process and subsequently set aside one per cent of its total annual disbursement, to fund learning activities that went above and beyond project level for members of the Start Network to strengthen humanitarian response. This fund for learning maintained the name ‘one per cent learning budget’ and agencies could apply for a greater amount, anything up to £10,000 GBP, with a greater freedom of focus.

15Oct18

Our vision

The future of humanitarian action

Start Network is working to create a system in which; responses to crises will be defined by those closest to them and based on humanitarian need; early and predictable funding will reduce the impact of crises and the cost of responses; a diverse group of organisations work together to adapt to the needs of people affected by crises. We believe this is only possible through a collective effort to change the system.
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An international network

Today the Start Network extends to 42 members and their 7000 partner organisations, employing more than a quarter million people across 200 countries and territories.
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