Over four rounds of surveys we’ve observed critical changes in the contraction of organizational budgets, offices closing and staff furloughs and layoffs.

Watch snapshots of impact from 2025

Between January and March the first two surveys showed consistent financial impact with many respondents reporting 60% to 100% of their budgets being affected. The third survey painted a slightly better picture although this may have been because some organizations had already closed.

More than 60% of respondents had not found alternate revenue sources by the third survey in May. In addition, more than 60% had furloughed staff.

By survey 4 in October, organizations still standing, strongly felt the volatility of the sector and possible risk of closure. Many reported providing services for alternative revenue, and 64% were either actively seeking or considering mergers or other partnerships.

  • "Our programs have come to a full stop, including anti-money laundering training of private sector lawyers and accountants from 12 countries. The tremendous momentum we garnered to combat global illicit finance has been lost."

  • "Activities by local partners to document human rights violations and war crimes in conflict zones will be interrupted or terminated, resulting in future impunity due to the lack of evidence available."

  • "Vulnerable populations are at increased risk of contracting HIV. Orphans and vulnerable children may stop their treatment and young girls may fall victim to GBV and not have support available to them."

  • "Farmers and producers will be left without resources and training for sustainable practices."

  • "The freeze has wiped out all livelihood programs for refugees where we work."

  • "Human rights project activities including documentation on human rights violations in refugee camps in Northern Uganda, the project of psycho social supports on trauma and healing, and peace building and reconciliation activities in Uganda [have been suspended]"

  • "Emergency response grants and disaster preparedness grants have halted due to the stop order, meaning urgent activities that were addressing basic human needs such as water have been unable to move forward"

  • "The U.S. foreign aid funding freeze has had a significant impact on multiple programs, disrupting critical peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions and threatening our organizational stability."

  • "Our programs have come to a full stop, including anti-money laundering training of private sector lawyers and accountants from 12 countries. The tremendous momentum we garnered to combat global illicit finance has been lost."

  • "Activities by local partners to document human rights violations and war crimes in conflict zones will be interrupted or terminated, resulting in future impunity due to the lack of evidence available."

  • "Vulnerable populations are at increased risk of contracting HIV. Orphans and vulnerable children may stop their treatment and young girls may fall victim to GBV and not have support available to them."

  • "Farmers and producers will be left without resources and training for sustainable practices."

  • "The freeze has wiped out all livelihood programs for refugees where we work."

  • "Human rights project activities including documentation on human rights violations in refugee camps in Northern Uganda, the project of psycho social supports on trauma and healing, and peace building and reconciliation activities in Uganda [have been suspended]"

  • "Emergency response grants and disaster preparedness grants have halted due to the stop order, meaning urgent activities that were addressing basic human needs such as water have been unable to move forward"

  • "The U.S. foreign aid funding freeze has had a significant impact on multiple programs, disrupting critical peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions and threatening our organizational stability."