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Resources and Support for GDC Partners affected by the U.S. Foreign Aid Freeze

Following the recent U.S. foreign aid freeze, we know that many organizations are facing uncertainty, operational challenges, and difficult decisions. As funding streams are disrupted, the impact on democracy, human rights, and civil society efforts around the world cannot be overstated.

To support our Global Democracy Coalition partners and the broader democracy community, we have compiled a set of resources that may help organizations navigate this evolving situation. We encourage you to review these resources and share them with your networks so that those affected can access the support they need. If your organization is directly impacted and requires assistance, whether through strategic coordination, advocacy, or alternative funding opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are committed to standing with our partners and identifying ways to sustain the vital work of defending democracy worldwide.

If you know of other resources that could be useful, let us know so we can share them widely. We remain committed to supporting each other, sharing solutions, and making sure no one faces this alone.

Surveys

From the Global Democracy Coalition: To better understand how the freeze is affecting your organization and find meaningful ways to support you, we have put together a GDC survey. This short survey will help us get a clearer picture of the challenges you are facing and explore how we can best help during these difficult times as we are looking into the possibility of providing some emergency funding, if our donors permit it. While we cannot guarantee this support and don’t want to raise expectations we may not be able to meet, we are doing our best to explore what might be feasible. If emergency funding is not possible, we remain committed to finding other ways to support GDC partners as we navigate this crisis together.

From Accountability Lab: To better understand and document the impact of the aid freeze, Accountability Lab has created a survey (available in EnglishFrench, and Spanish) to gather data anonymously. Your input can play a crucial role in mobilizing support and informing the response of key stakeholders. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Blair Glencorse blair@accountabilitylab.org. They recently shared findings from the first round of responses and are continuing to take submissions, so if you haven’t filled it out yet, please consider doing so.

From Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP): They are also collecting examples of how the stop-work order is impacting organizations and communities to support advocacy efforts. If you are interested in contributing, please fill out their survey, and for any questions, you can contact Nick Zuroski at nick@allianceforpeacebuilding.org.

Job Seekers, Opportunity Listings and Housing Assistance

Google document listing job seekers and job opportunities for international development professionals, which might be helpful during this period.

We know that for many, this is not just about projects—it’s about livelihoods. If you or your colleagues are looking for new opportunities, Wayan Vota shared a list of 14 career coaches, impact job boards, and hiring networks that could be helpful. You can find the full list in his post.

After the news that USAID staff globally has been placed on indefinite administrative leave, we came across a resource for emergency housing for USAID mission staff. If you or someone you know might need it, you can access it here.

Videos and Other Links

We came across a Google document on Navigating Crisis: Community Solutions for U.S. Policy Changes & Foreign Aid Halt, which includes information on emergency support, transition funding, collaboration and peer support, policy updates, and advocacy efforts, as well as upcoming events. 

Devex Discussion on the Aid Freeze and Its Implications: Devex YouTube Video (free).

Legal and Policy Updates on the Aid Freeze: Nichols Liu Law Firm and corresponding PowerPoint

Two webinars hosted by Olga W. to help organizations navigate possible next steps once funding is unpaused or terminated. One will focus on Grants & Cooperative Agreements (February 6), and the other on Contracts & Termination Settlements (February 7). Please note that they are asking to limit participation to one person per organization.

Recognizing the toll this crisis is taking not only on projects but also on individuals, we also wanted to share a mental health and emotional support session hosted by Courtney Mallow on February 6 at 12 PM EST. This free online event is designed for humanitarians and aid workers to navigate uncertainty together, offering financial strategies, stress management tools, and a space for connection. You can register at here.

Senator Chris Van Hollen is also gathering information through a Senate survey to document the impact of the aid freeze. If you are a Maryland resident, you can participate here.

Knowledge Products

Our partner, Georgetown University, shared with us an additional resource that may be of interest. As they noted, in light of the uncertainty surrounding USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) programming, understanding its history and evolution is critical. Last year, students from a Georgetown University Study Group developed a comprehensive analysis of how USAID institutionalized DRG programming and the lessons learned along the way. This resource may provide useful insights for navigating the current situation.

Efforts to Ensure the U.S. Honors Its Paris Agreement Commitments Despite the Freeze: Bloomberg Initiative

Suspension of U.S. Media Aid and the Call for European Donors to Mobilize: European Journalists’ Network

Brookings published an analysis of the Trump administration’s USAID changes and their impact.

The Center for Global Development has an important blog post on preventing deaths during the 90-day assistance freeze. 

There is also an advocacy campaign by VSquare emphasizing the importance of supporting independent journalism during this crisis.

Humentum: Navigating the USG Funding Pause for Foreign Assistance Programs: Guidance Document.

Government Employee Unions Sue Trump Administration for Shutting Down USAID.

In Person Rallies

For those who want to take action, on February 5 at 11:30 AM, there will be a rally at the Upper Senate Park in Washington D.C. (Constitution & Delaware Ave NE) and will include speeches from members of Congress, bipartisan former government officials, and experts in the field. The aim is to urge the President and Congress to prevent further harm.