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U.S. foreign aid is financial, technical, and humanitarian assistance provided by the United States government to support economic development, global health, disaster relief, and security worldwide. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in 1961 to oversee and implement foreign aid programs globally. Each year, the U.S. allocates $50 billion, which is less than 1% of the federal budget, to foreign aid efforts. In addition to humanitarian impact, foreign aid promotes global stability, strengthens U.S. diplomatic ties, opens international markets for American businesses, and helps prevent conflicts that could threaten U.S. national security.
Foreign aid has played a vital role in cutting global child mortality in half, reducing global poverty, providing relief and emergency support after natural disasters and conflict, and supporting anti-trafficking programs, democracy-building, and education for women and girls.
On January 24, 2025, the U.S. administration issued an Executive Order that immediately froze all foreign aid funding, including funds that had already been approved by Congress. This “stop-work order” has halted funding to critical humanitarian programs worldwide, including those that support survivors of human trafficking and abuse.
As of February 20, 2025, foreign aid is still frozen as the Federal Stay only applies to onshore US grants.
As a nonprofit charity, Hagar relies on the incredible generosity of our donors and supporters. Annually, through a mix of funding sources (including U.S. foreign aid), we are able to provide essential services such as safe shelter, trauma counseling, legal support, and vocational training for survivors of human trafficking and abuse. The freeze threatens our ability to deliver these life-changing programs, especially in Cambodia where funding gaps are threatening to disrupt care for victims.
Right now, 33 survivors—some as young as 10 months old—are at risk of losing critical aftercare services in Cambodia alone. Without urgent funding, our ability to provide safe housing, food, and counseling for survivors will be severely impacted.
We are actively working to fill the funding gap by reaching out to private donors, foundations, and corporate partners. We are also advocating alongside other humanitarian organizations to urge the U.S. government to lift the freeze.
Your support is more critical than ever. Here’s how you can take action:
Donate
Your gift ensures survivors continue to receive care.
Spread The Word
Share this crisis with your network.
Advocate
Contact your representatives to express concern about the freeze on humanitarian funding.
