By Bond Guide to Surviving USAID Job Loss: Navigating the Impact of the 90-Day Suspension of Humanitarian Assistance
The USAID funding freeze, stemming from the US government’s 90-day suspension of international humanitarian and development assistance, has created significant disruptions for both organizations and individuals dependent on these resources. As the crisis ripples through the sector, this guide offers insights and actionable steps for those whose jobs have been impacted by this freeze.
Bond is a leading UK based International Development organization
What We Know So Far:
The freeze has put approximately 14,000 USAID staff members on leave, while other programs have been severely affected. Here’s an overview of the situation:
USAID staff: 14,000 have been placed on leave.
Program status: A freeze on new programs and stop-work orders on existing programs are in effect and Sri Lanka is par of the freeze.
Global spending comparison: The US allocated $72 billion for international assistance in 2023, compared to the UK’s £15.3 billion and the EU’s €95.9 billion.
Immediate Humanitarian Impact:
The consequences of the funding freeze have been devastating, especially for vulnerable groups:
Women’s Health: Nearly 3.8 million women have lost access to contraception, affecting essential healthcare services.
Disrupted services: Programs in food distribution, HIV trials, and refugee shelter assistance have been halted or scaled back.
Shift in influence: The US withdrawal has paved the way for increased Chinese influence in regions previously supported by USAID.
Which Programs Are At Risk?
Programs that align with the current government’s priorities have a better chance of being reinstated. However, those centered on gender equity, family planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing an elevated risk of closure. For an updated list of affected programs, consult Devex’s tracking tool.
Navigating Waivers: Who Qualifies?
Certain waivers have been issued to help mitigate the impact, but these are not automatic:
Waivers granted for: Emergency food assistance, some administrative expenses, salaries for personal service contractors, and other legitimate expenses incurred before January 24, 2025.
Exceptions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s memo exempts lifesaving medicine, food, shelter, and subsistence, but not programs related to abortions, family planning, or gender/DEI services.
For full guidance on waivers, refer to Humentum’s Navigating the USG Funding Pause document.
How Bond Is Supporting You:
Bond is working closely with affected organizations to provide support and advocacy, including:
Media support: Bond has provided press commentary and responses to outlets like Politico, LBC, and others.
Surveys: A sector-wide survey is assessing the funding freeze’s impact. If your organization is affected, complete the survey to assist with advocacy.
Advocacy efforts: Bond has contacted the UK government, urging them to mitigate the damage of the funding freeze.
Legal monitoring: Bond is tracking legal developments, including a recent federal judge ruling to temporarily halt the USAID freeze.
What You Can Do:
If your job or program has been impacted, here are practical steps to take:
Stay informed: Keep up with updates via Humentum, Devex, and Bond’s newsletters and social media platforms.
Engage with MPs: Contact your FCDO representatives and MPs to share how the funding freeze is affecting your organization and ask for their support.
Document impact: Track and report disruptions to strengthen advocacy efforts. Share this information confidentially with Bond to inform collective efforts.
Additional Resources:
Humentum’s Guides:
Navigating the USG Funding Pause for Foreign Assistance Programs
Navigating USG Executive Orders on DEI
Legal Resources: Bates Wells on the legal implications for UK INGOs
Aid Freeze Tracking: Devex’s list of affected programs and Accountability Lab’s Global Aid Freeze Tracker
USAID Contracts List: Access a list of terminated USAID contracts and grants.
Bond’s Continued Support:
If you or your organization are facing challenges due to the funding freeze, please reach out to Bond for continued support. We are committed to keeping our members informed as new information emerges.
Stay strong, stay connected, and know that you’re not alone in navigating this difficult situation.
