On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14169, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” initiating a 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign development assistance programs to conduct a comprehensive review. This decision led to the suspension of numerous aid programs, affecting various sectors globally. The freeze has had immediate and significant impacts on communities worldwide, disrupting critical services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian assistance.

In response to these challenges, on February 3rd, the EDGE Secretariat hosted a 60-minute call to explore common strategies among members to mitigate the negative effects of the U.S. foreign assistance freeze on partners. To respect privacy, the meeting was not recorded; however, we have collected resources shared by attendees below.

Furthermore, EDGE is in conversation with Ariadne, HRFN, FICS and FORGE, to coordinate ongoing joint efforts to create a space for resource sharing and action. Some resources shared so far include: Survey results of USG’s January 2025 stop work orders.pdf – Google Drive, Global Aid Freeze Tracker, Trump Administration Actions Impacting Nonprofits – Google DocsHuman Rights Funders Network – Better Preparedness.

We hope to hold more of these meetings, and invite EDGE members to co-facilitate these upcoming conversations. Please reach out to us (yagna@edgefunders.org) and let us know if you are interested or have any suggestions on how to take this work forward.

• Devex Newswire: The latest on the US foreign aid crisis
  This article discusses the recent halt in U.S. foreign aid programs, highlighting the immediate impacts on international development organizations and the potential long-term consequences for global humanitarian efforts.
• USAID workers at Washington HQ told to stay home on Monday in unexpected early morning email
  An unexpected early morning email instructed USAID employees at the Washington headquarters to stay home, indicating potential disruptions or changes within the agency.
• How to Take Action on Inauguration Day and Beyond | ACLU
  The ACLU provides a guide encouraging individuals to engage in nonviolent resistance and advocacy to protect civil liberties, especially in light of recent political developments.
• U.S. Agency for International Development: An Overview
  This report offers a comprehensive overview of USAID, detailing its mission, organizational structure, and the scope of its programs aimed at promoting global development and humanitarian assistance.
• Live Updates: Trump Administration’s Actions on USAID
  The New York Times provides live updates on the Trump administration’s recent decisions affecting USAID, including policy changes and their implications for international aid. These resources collectively shed light on the current challenges facing U.S. foreign aid initiatives and offer guidance on how individuals can respond and stay informed.
• Navigating Crisis: Community Solutions for US Policy Changes & Foreign Aid Halt
  List of solutions attempting to fill some gaps from the halt.