Who We Are

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION is a network of Canadian NGOs determined to unite in cases of humanitarian crises. The Humanitarian Coalition is formed by five of Canada's leading aid organizations: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada and Save the Children Canada.

WHAT- As a joint Canadian approach to humanitarian response, the Humanitarian Coalition is a "one-stop-shop" for all Canadians during times of international humanitarian disasters.

WHY - The members of the Humanitarian Coalition work together to reduce unnecessary competition, better educate the public on humanitarian needs, increase the impact of Canadian humanitarian responses and reduce administrative costs.

HOW- During humanitarian emergencies, member agencies speak to Canadians with one voice, provide direct access to disaster and response information, coordinate spokespersons and share resources, including a single phone centre, website and communications team. When disaster strikes, each member agency brings their specific expertise to implementing humanitarian programs.

WHO- The Humanitarian Coalition has been founded by five agencies: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada and Save the Children Canada. All Canadian humanitarian agencies that meet the membership criteria are welcome and invited to join in this initiative.

WHO ELSE- Media and private sector partners are invited to participate in this joint action during times of humanitarian crisis, when the needs are greatest. The Humanitarian Coalition strives to provide the Canadian public and media with the most relevant information during a crisis. When needs are greatest, member agencies combine to pursue media and private sector support for the Canadian appeal process.

EXAMPLES- Around the world, agencies have realized the power of joint action. Successful national humanitarian appeal mechanisms include the Disasters Emergency Committee (UK), Aktion Deutschland (Germany), Agire (Italy), Japan Platform, (Japan), SHO Netherlands and others.

STRUCTURE- Heads of agencies of member organizations all sit on the Board of Directors of the Humanitarian Coalition. The activities of the organization are managed by committees composed of personnel from the member agencies.

EXPERTISE- Together, the members of the Humanitarian Coalition have over 200 years of humanitarian response experience. Their reliability and expertise are the basis of the Humanitarian Coalition's success.

Our Mission

• The HUMANITARIAN COALITION brings together leading Canadian humanitarian organisation to raise money in times of international humanitarian crises.
• The HUMANITARIAN COALITION provides the Canadian public with a high quality, cost effective, Canadian joint emergency appeal and capacity.

Our Objectives

• Creating an efficient mechanism for national fundraising and public response that is easy for donors to give to, transparent and fully accountable to both donors and beneficiaries.
• Ensuring that funds raised are used in an effective, timely and fully accountable way.
• Facilitating agency cooperation, coordination and communication.

Advantages of the Joint Appeal

• ‘One stop shop' increases income and lowers fundraising costs
• Effective partner for media public service broadcasting and corporate social responsibility
• The public want evidence of collaboration, as does Government and the media
• Build trust by integrating fundraising, accountability and quality

Criteria for Launching an Appeal

The decision to launch an appeal is made by a Committee composed of representatives from the members, using the following basic criteria:
• Needs - scale and scope
• Capacity to respond
• Public awareness and projected success of an appeal

Membership

Member Agencies are the leading Canadian registered humanitarian charities which fulfil the Membership Criteria. These criteria include legal, financial and program quality standards & requirements. Membership is open to all Canadian humanitarian agencies which meet the membership criteria.

Allocation of Funds

Funds raised are allocated according to an agreed upon Allocation Formula. This formula is designed to reflect member capacity for emergency response programming. It uses a three year average of emergency responses to determine the scale of capacity for future disasters.