At a time when the world is seeing greater crises than ever before—from COVID’s impact to floods, fires and conflict—Baptist World Aid Australia has joined with 15 other disaster relief organisations in Australia to unite in emergency appeals for immediate humanitarian care. 

Launched on 6 August 2021, the historic Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) brings 16 charities together to improve on how Australians can support and donate when large scale overseas disasters take place.  

‘In an emergency, it’s all hands on deck,’ said Bec Oates, Director of Marketing and Communication at Baptist World Aid. ‘It’s remarkable that 16 of Australia’s best aid and development agencies have come together in disasters to raise funds for those who most need it. We’re honoured to be a part of this.’ 

After much discussion about how best to address global disasters together, the Emergency Action Alliance was formed and brings trusted charities together during crises. CEOs of the agencies believe that through this new single fundraising entity, more money can be raised from the Australian public more quickly, so that there can be a rapid distribution of funds allocated to where the money is most needed.  This will save more lives and can enable the quicker and more efficient rebuilding of communities. 

‘When there’s a huge disaster or crisis overseas that gains media attention here in Australia, it can be hard for generous, compassionate supporters to know how to help and who to trust with their donation,’ said Kerren Morris, Executive Director of the EAA. ‘We know from research that any hesitancy can inhibit an individual’s likelihood to help. Through the Emergency Action Alliance donors will have confidence that their donation will be helpful to the people and communities impacted by the disaster.’ 

Just as Baptist World Aid has had a long history of working with other organisations and church bodies to provide relief and care during disasters, so, too, do member organisations of the EAA work in close collaboration during disaster responses.  Now, the EAA’s formal alliance makes it easier for donors to give.  

‘We know we are able to get help to the people who need it faster when we work together,’ said Melissa Lipsett, Acting CEO at Baptist World Aid. ‘The EAA means we put the people in need ahead of our own organisation’s brand and data gathering. This is the first of its kind in the fundraising world in Australia and Baptist World Aid is proud to continue its mission of caring for the most vulnerable during crises with other trusted relief agencies.’ 

The online launch 6 August 2021 of the historic alliance included Senator the Hon Marise Payne, ABC Board Director Dr Jane Connors, and James Gilling, First Assistant Secretary, (Humanitarian, NGOs and Partnerships Division), CEO of ACFID Marc Purcell, CEO of Fundraising Institute of Australia Katherine Raskob, and each of the EAA member CEOs. 

‘These organisations are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response,’ Morris said. ‘Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work. By combining their expertise, we can turn the care and passion of our supporters into a targeted response to international emergencies.’ 

The full list of member organisations of the EAA are: Action Aid, ADRA, Act for Peace, Australian Lutheran World Service, Anglican Overseas Aid, Baptist World Aid, Caritas Australia, Care, CBM, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, Tearfund Australia, Australia for UNHCR, and World Vision. 

‘There really is strength in numbers,’ Oates said. ‘We’re confident we’ll see God continue to provide for those in disasters through this new and effective collaboration.’  For more information on the Emergency Action Alliance, visit the Emergency Action website here.