The Start Fund 2014 Global Report

This report, written for Donors, Members and stakeholders, provides evidence and analysis of the Start Fund performance over 2014.

The Start Fund – a collaboration to create a multi-donor pooled fund for global humanitarian action – has beenunder development since 2007.  Under the “Consortium of British Humanitarian Agencies” name, the ideawas tested with DFID funding from 2010-2012.  The prototype Fund design was refined from 2012-2014, whilenew business models were explored. The launch of the Start Fund on 01 April 2014 was a milestone in theinternational community’s efforts to adapt the international humanitarian system to a rapidly changing world.

The Start Fund will complement and reinforce the international financial architecture for humanitarian actionby focussing on the first stages of small and medium-scale crises.   As much as half of all human suffering inhumanitarian crises may occur in small-scale events that are not currently served by the international system. Over the coming years, people affected by these crises will be supported by a decentralised, diverse andcollaborative ecosystem of civil society organisations with the means to respond efficiently and appropriately.The Start Fund will be a legacy contribution that will enable a more resilient system.