THE NETWORK <br/>FOR CHANGE

Read about why we exist and values and reach. Or click above to read about our governance structure and current vacancies.

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Network directory

See which organisations are in the Network and which are our donors and partners. Or click above to find out about becoming a member.

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. We are developing more effective ways to work together, and new approaches that will reduce the scale of human suffering.

See publications and resources from across the Network

News and blog articles from across the Start Network.

See events and training from across the Network

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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Latest

News Article

New mapping tool aims to improve decision making and accountability

Start Network is delighted to release details of new features added to its innovative Start Fund portal.

11Jul18

News Article

Maarifa kona making strides

Start Network's innovation lab in Kenya, part of the four national Disaster and Emergencies Preparedness Innovation Labs (DEPP Labs) programme, reflects on progress made so far.

10Jul18

News Article

How do we choose where to help?

On April 17, Start Network received an urgent alert from two of its 42 member organisations, asking for rapid funding to combat a cholera outbreak in northeast Nigeria. The other members of the United Kingdom-based humanitarian network were quickly consulted, but they were divided over whether, of all the world’s pressing humanitarian needs, this one deserved some of the network’s precious funds.

10Jul18

Blog Post

The Start Fund is embracing localisation through partnerships

In 2016, thirty of the biggest humanitarian donors and aid providers met at the World Humanitarian Summit to sign the ‘Grand Bargain’ commitments to get more means into the hands of people in need.

10Jul18

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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Our areas of work

Start Fund

The world’s first pooled rapid response fund managed solely by NGOs.
- underfunded emergencies
- early response
- fast response

Start Engage

Wide-ranging practical experiments in enabling local communities to prepare for disasters.
- 14 projects in 10 countries
- 44 organisations involved
- Total disbursed: £30m over three years

Start Labs

Testing innovative solutions to humanitarian financing and decision making.
- 2 insurance products being tested and taken to scale
- A pilot blockchain platform for the Start Fund

Start Response

Taking collaboration in design and delivery to a new level.
- 23 countries
- More than 7 million people reached
- £33.7m Portfolio

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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