Frequently asked questions
Why does Emergency Action Alliance exist?
We operate an extremely cost-effective model, where instead of each member running their own fundraising campaigns, a single centralised appeal is run – saving time, money and precious resources that members can instead use to carry out their vital work. The model is flexible to make sure over the course of an emergency situation the funds are getting to where they are needed most.
How do you know this charity model works?
Our structure is a tried and tested model that has seen great success around the world. Emergency Action Alliance is part of a global alliance of similar humanitarian coalitions called the Emergency Appeals Alliance. These alliances share best practices and learn from each others’ successes.
What is EAA doing to guarantee continuous impact?
Every time we run an appeal, we will learn from that experience and we will draw those learnings into improving the performance of future appeals.
How are funds distributed to members fairly?
We use a formula to allocate funds between the charities according to their capacity to help. This means donations are put to the best possible use to help those in need.
How is EAA’s team structured?
We are governed by a Board of Directors and sitting under the Board are three committees; Audit, Finance and Risk Committee manages governance and compliance.
Allocation Committee determines the distribution of funds.
Appeal Committee monitors emergencies and initiates an appeal against our criteria.
What is the process to set up an appeal and distribute funds?
A Board meeting is set up within 24 hours of the emergency, then a decision to run an appeal is made within 48 hours after that. The charity members are told that we’re running an appeal and responding members submit a Statement of Capacity outlining how they are responding to the crisis. Within 3 days of a rapid onset emergency we aim to have an appeal live. We run a centralised appeal for two weeks and typically by the end of the fourth week the distribution of funds begins. Funds are only distributed to members responding to the emergency.
How is EAA’s team structured?
EAA is managed by a small secretariat of two full time staff. We are governed by a Board of Directors made up of CEOs and senior leaders from 6 of our member organisations, plus two independent directors.
Sitting under the Board are three committees:
The Audit, Finance and Risk Committee which manages governance and compliance.
The Allocation Committee which oversees the allocation of appeal funds.
Appeal Committee monitors emergencies against our appeal criteria. If the criteria are met, the Committee will recommend to the board that an appeal be launched.
Additional Information
About Emergency Action Alliance
Emergency Action Alliance, representing 15 leading Australian Aid Charities, is an efficient and easy way for Australians to support major emergencies overseas. The EAA is funded by its member organisations and exists based on the members’ commitment to make it easier for Australians to donate in large scale emergencies. With so many charities helping today it can be hard to decide how to donate. Our members know that by centralising their fundraising efforts, more money will be raised, and more people will receive help in their greatest time of need.
The members of Emergency Action Alliance use their reach and resources to save lives around the world. By combining the expertise of our members, we turn the care and passion of Australians into a targeted response to international emergencies.
Our member organisations are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. EAA’s member charities fund the EAA’s running costs, the EAA gives their member charities the money they raise in appeals to carry our their vital work.
When a major disaster happens overseas it can be hard for us to know how to help. When Emergency Action Alliance launches an appeal in response to a major disaster, we make it easier for Australians to know how to help. By centralizing our fundraising efforts we create a more efficient way to give, and the money raised goes only to our members who are actively responding to the emergency.
Who are our members?
Emergency Action Alliance members are: ActionAid Australia, ADRA, Act for Peace, Australian Lutheran World Service, Anglican Overseas Aid, Baptist World Aid, Caritas Australia, Care Australia, CBM Australia, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, Save the Children Australia, Tearfund Australia, and Australia for UNHCR.
How is the money used?
Your donation will help provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance to people in major emergencies. EAA charities and their local partners have a significant presence throughout the world, including some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible (depending on your personal tax position). Emergency Action Alliance (ABN 52 646 274 348) is a Registered Charity with the ACNC and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
How can I make a donation?
When we run an emergency appeal, you can donate money directly via the Emergency Action Alliance website and via phone on 1300 939 000.
How else can I be involved?
Usually, the best way to help in large scale emergencies is to donate. Our member organisations are experts at procuring the food, shelter, blankets, medical support and other needs of those fleeing Ukraine.
What proportion of my donation actually reaches the charities providing emergency support?
Emergency Action Alliance will not deduct more than 10 per cent of money raised to cover indirect essential costs such as donation transaction costs, receipting donations, IT costs, administrating the distribution of donations to member organisations, measurement and evaluation, reporting and overheads related to the emergency. With a very low cost base funded by our members this is an efficient model for raising and distributing funds in emergencies.
What happens if more money is raised than can be used in the current emergency?
In the unlikely event that the funds raised exceed what is needed to meet the emergency needs of affected people, excess funds will be directed to the work of our members in the next major international emergency.
Can I donate goods such as food, clothing, medical equipment or toys for the children?
The best way to help is to make a monetary donation. Emergency responses such as these are complex. Often donated goods are not what are needed in the moment and can go to waste. Shipping such donated goods can be expensive and a subsequent challenge for disposal of goods that are not needed. Please go to Donate Responsibly for a really good summary of why donated goods are not always what is needed in an emergency.
Why are you asking for funds for an emergency overseas when we have so many emergencies here in Australia?
When there is so much need in the world, and at home here in Australia, it can be hard to decide which cause to donate to. There is no easy answer to this, and the best approach in these situations is to read up on the different emergencies and decide which causes you would most like to help and where you feel you can make the most difference. The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission has some helpful resources on their website.
*We also acknowledge that these challenging times can make us feel anxious and sad. If you need support we recommend reaching out to your family and healthcare providers, and there are also good support options available at Lifeline.
What will Emergency Action Alliance do with my personal data (such as phone number, email address)
Information that you provide to us will enable us to process your donation, and to provide you with a receipt for your donation. We do not share your data with our member organisations nor third parties (other than those involved in processing your donation and providing you with your tax deductible receipt.) As the law permits and excepting any other purposes explained in our Privacy and Security statement, we do not rent, sell or exchange your donor information with any third parties.
Other questions?
If you have questions we have not answered here we would love to hear from you. Please email us at info@emergencyaction.org.au Please note we are a small team so it may take up to 48 hours for us to reply to you. If your enquiry is very urgent please reach out to the support team of one of our member charities.