At Global Fund for Children (GFC), we are guided by a deep belief in shifting power for community-led change. In a time of growing crisis and complexity, we know that philanthropy must rise to meet the moment.

The recent elimination of nearly 90% of USAID and State Department foreign assistance programs—amounting to roughly $60 billion—has created a massive gap, representing an estimated 25–30% of all official development assistance (ODA) worldwide. Several European governments have also announced substantial reductions. These cuts have destabilized community-based organizations and disrupted their vital work with and for children and young people globally. In the United States, nonprofit organizations are also facing significant funding threats and increasing restrictions on their ability to respond to community needs. Decades of progress on child rights, health, education, and youth development now hang in the balance, with both immediate and long-term consequences.

That’s why we’ve proudly signed on to the following collective commitments that call on the philanthropic sector to shift power, deepen trust, and show up in solidarity with communities worldwide:

Meet the Moment: A Call to Trust-Based Philanthropy

This pledge led by the Trust-based Philanthropy Project, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, and the National Center for Family Philanthropy reflects our commitment to trust-based philanthropy—an approach rooted in equity, humility, and relationship-building—especially in times of crisis.

• When the foreign assistance freeze began, GFC immediately connected with our partners to understand how they were being affected. We heard from organizations in every region that were being forced to pause programs and scramble for alternative funding just to keep their doors open—to pay staff, cover rent, and continue supporting children and young people. Within days, we mobilized emergency resources and have since provided nearly $500,000 in rapid-response funding to 30 organizations in 12 countries.

Philanthropy’s Solidarity with Those Impacted by Aid Cuts: A Joint Call to Action

We stand in global solidarity with those affected by the significant reductions in international aid. Through this call to action created by the global WINGS philanthropy network and the global movement to #StandWithCivilSociety, we recognize the urgent need for philanthropy to step up—to fill critical gaps, amplify community leadership, and resist harmful narratives that devalue international cooperation and justice.

• We believe this is a pivotal moment to recognize the power of community-led development in reimagining global aid—and to invest in the resilience of civil society around the world. At GFC, we’re committed to ensuring grassroots and youth leaders have a seat at the table in shaping the future of the sector. Join us on May 15 at 10am EST for a dynamic conversation with community-based organizations exploring the local impact of foreign aid cuts and their vision for more transformational funding partnerships.

Public Statement on Philanthropy’s Commitment During Crisis

In joining this statement published by the Council on Foundations, we reaffirm philanthropy’s united support of our First Amendment right within the US Bill of Rights to give as an expression of our values and the freedom to direct resources to a wide variety of important services and issues.

• At GFC, we’re deeply committed to listening to young people and community partners about the issues that shape their lives—and to letting their insights determine our funding priorities, especially through participatory grantmaking. Across the US and the world, this right to be heard and lead change is essential to the health, safety, and wellbeing of children and youth. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering communities where all young people have the opportunity to thrive.

GFC will continue to stand up for young leaders overcoming injustice and marginalization. Even as this seismic change in the global development landscape has had devastating consequences, civil society is asserting its resilience, its leadership, and its desire to create new norms of global cooperation, on more equitable, just, and effective terms. It’s time to reimagine how global assistance works, and GFC’s community of extraordinary, community based and led organizations are ready to influence and shape that change.