Philanthropy in Crisis – How to Support Grantees in the Wake of the USAID Freeze
Philea will host “How to Support Grantees in the Wake of the USAID Freeze” online on 11 February to explore how philanthropy can (continue to) support their grantees and safeguard democratic values in light of the aid freeze.
While not entirely unexpected, the recent announcement by the US government to proceed with a 90-day freeze of almost all foreign aid, followed by the announcement that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) would be absorbed by the State Department, has caused a seismic shockwave in the sector, including among European philanthropic organisations.
USAID is the world’s largest contributor to international development, with a budget of around $40bn, most of which is spent in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe – primarily on humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The shutdown of USAID is expected to have profound and most likely irreversible consequences for many organisations and communities around the world.
The decision of the US government is not happening in isolation, but as part of a larger trend of disengagement by governments around the world in international cooperation – considered by many as crucial for global security and prosperity. While the USAID shutdown decision is being challenged and is considered by some as unconstitutional, civil society organisations and foundations alike are considering what these developments mean for them, and how they can best support the communities they serve. The decision to freeze international aid comes as part of a series of executive orders issued by President Trump targeting issues such as DEI, immigration, tax tariffs and more, understood as part of a complex blend of geopolitical unrest and democratic decline, all of which requires deep analysis, as well as swift action.
While many discussions will undoubtedly be needed to fully unpack these ongoing developments, Philea is now responding to the immediate needs of members to make sense of the decision. This conversation will focus on how philanthropy can (continue to) support their grantees and safeguard democratic values in light of the aid freeze.
This exchange is organised as a rapid response to our members’ needs, in line with our approach to support philanthropy in crisis. Further conversations may be organised at a later stage, depending on the needs of our community.
This event is for Full Members of Philea only.
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