At times of crisis overseas, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently. save lives

ABOUT THE DEC

At times of crisis overseas, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently. In these critical moments, people facing life-and-death situations need urgent support, and the DEC’s mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.

By pooling resources and working as one, the DEC plays a key role in co-ordinating the UK public's response to international disasters. In partnership with the Rapid Response Network of national media and corporate supporters, they raise awareness and provide simple ways for people to donate.

Their impact is immediate, getting aid to those who need it, fast.

We are proud to support the DEC on our website and to help raise awareness of their vital work during humanitarian crises.

OUR HISTORY
Formed in 1963, the DEC was established to enable aid agencies and other stakeholders to co-operate more effectively when responding to disasters overseas.

Over the past 60 years, the DEC has responded to emergencies including earthquakes, tsunamis, hunger, drought, conflict and climate-related disasters—reaching millions of people in need across more than 60 countries.

The UK public has donated over £2.5 billion through 79 national appeals, consistently responding with generosity and compassion whenever called upon.

MEMBER CHARITIES
The DEC is made up of 15 expert member charities, each specialising in different areas of humanitarian aid and disaster response. They come together to speak with one voice and make fundraising more effective whenever an appeal is launched.These member charities fund the DEC’s core running costs. The money raised through appeals goes directly back to them to carry out critical work on the ground where it is needed most.
The DEC only funds work by our 15 member charities, which deliver aid directly or through trusted partners to those in need.
Because of our unique collaborative model and partnerships with broadcasters and the corporate sector, we are able to work extremely efficiently and cost effectively – the average cost of running our appeals is just 7.2% of the money we raise directly (based on an average over the last four DEC appeals).
Additionally, our members are committed to using no more than 7% of the funds they receive from us on any work within the UK to support their response to a disaster. All of the remaining funds must be spent on the emergency response itself and helping survivors rebuild their lives.

To donate or find out more, please visit www.dec.org.uk.