Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to common donor or donation-related questions, click here

1. What is the Humanitarian Coalition?
It is a network of Canadian NGOs determined to unite in cases of humanitarian crises. At present, the Coalition has FIVE members: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Québec, Plan Canada and Save the Children Canada. The Humanitarian Coalition is a fundraising and coordination body, it does not operate programmes.

2. Why do the Coalition members choose to act together?
By combining resources from each participating organisation, the Humanitarian Coalition is saving costs and can be more efficient and effective in assisting people in disaster areas. The Coalition’s campaigns have one call centre, one phone number and one joint website.
 
The members of the Coalition unite because they recognise the need for strong, decisive action. They share the same goals to help the most vulnerable and together they are even better equipped to do so.

3. When I give money to the Humanitarian Coalition, where does it go?
All funds sent to the Coalition are pooled for responses to the basic needs of those persons affected by a humanitarian disaster. The funds will serve to buy food and blankets, provide shelters and clean water to those most vulnerable during and after a crises.
 
The funds are distributed to the members of the Coalition that already have a capacity to act rapidly in a disaster area; following a pre-approved fund distribution formula. A small percentage of the funds donated go to maintain the administrative capacity of the Coalition.

4. Do Humanitarian Coalition members receive funds if they do not operate in the disaster area?
No, only agencies with operational capacity already in place in or near a disaster zone will receive funds from your donations.

5. Can I give money to a specific member of the Coalition?
All donations made to the Coalition will be shared amongst its members according to a set allocation formula. Should you wish to make a donation to a specific agency instead, please visit their specific website to make your donation.

6. Will I receive a receipt for my charitable donation to the Humanitarian Coalition?
Yes, if you provide us with your contact details, a receipt will be sent to you within a short delay. The fastest way to receive this receipt is by providing the Coalition with your e-mail address when you make your donation. Mailed receipts will take two to three weeks for delivery.

7. What happens if there are funds left over from the humanitarian relief operations?
As soon as the Coalition members are satisfied that they can meet the immediate needs of people affected by a humanitarian crises, fundraising will stop. In the case that funds are left unused in immediate disaster relief, these will go towards medium-term reconstruction projects.

8. How will I know what happens to my donation?
Regular reports will be posted on this website for your consultation. Updates will be sent by e-mail and can be mailed if you prefer.

9. Is there a minimum amount that I can contribute?
There is no amount too small or too large, but in order to generate tax receipt your contribution must be equivalent or greater than $10 dollars.

10. I’ve tried to donate but couldn’t get through on the phone line. Why?
As you can appreciate, our call volumes can be very high and we are a little overwhelmed by the generosity of Canadians. We thank you for your patience.

11. Can I adopt a child from one of the effected areas?

For more information on child sponsorship programs, please visit Humanitarian Coalition members websites or contact them directly.

12. Are you accepting goods such as blankets, food, clothes, etc.?
No. What we prefer to do is take a contribution of money at this time and purchase much needed supplies closer to those areas effected to ensure lower transportation costs and to ensure that the needed contribution makes it’s way directly to those effected and is not sidetracked into illegal markets.

13. What is the HUMANITARIAN COALITION’s administrative/fundraising cost?
Our raison d’être is to reduce the wasteful duplication of costs between member organizations in times of humanitarian appeals by offering one phone centre, one website and combining our fundraising efforts. The HUMANITARIAN COALITION has a self-imposed ceiling of 12% admin/fundraising costs on appeal revenues, but normally performs well under that threshold. For example, we achieved 7% and 11% respectively for our Haiti and Pakistan appeals in 2011. As many of our costs for fundraising are fixed, so the cost as a percentage of donations goes down as donations go up.

14. What is the Emergency Response Fund?
 The Emergency Response Fund increases the HUMANITARIAN COALITION’s members’ capacity to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian disasters as they happen around the world. When you donate to this fund, your donation will be automatically channelled to the next disaster for which the HUMANITARIAN COALITION launches an active appeal for donations.

15. How can I learn more?
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. You may do so by emailing us at info@humanitariancoalition.ca