It’s Time to Change the Narrative on Foreign Aid

2025 has been a catastrophic year for foreign assistance and the kids who rely on it. Lifesaving programs for children and families are facing steep cuts – and misinformation is spreading fast. 

Here’s why YOU should care about the future of foreign aid.  

WHAT IS FOREIGN AID?  

Like diplomacy and trade, foreign aid is a core pillar of U.S. foreign policy. It includes:  

• Humanitarian aid, which provides emergency food, shelter and medical care in crisis zones, and protects children from exploitation and abuse 
• Development aid, which drives long-term progress by strengthening food, water, child protection and health systems 

Foreign aid is funded through the federal budget. Every year, Congress negotiates and passes a spending bill that the president signs into law.  

THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREIGN AID  

MYTH: A large portion of U.S. government spending goes to foreign aid. 
FACT: It accounts for less than 1% of the federal budget. 

MYTH: Foreign aid is mostly military spending. 
FACT: It funds health care, education, food and clean water – not weapons or troops. 

MYTH: Foreign aid is just emergency handouts. 
FACT: 80% supports long-term solutions, like training health workers and helping farmers grow food. 

MYTH: Foreign aid doesn’t benefit Americans. 
FACT: It builds a stronger global economy and a safer, more stable world for us all. In fact, 11 of the top 15 U.S. trading partners are former recipients of foreign aid.  

MYTH: We’re sending money to corrupt governments. 
FACT: Most funding goes to trusted partners with strict oversight and proven results, like Save the Children.  

MYTH: No one is tracking foreign aid projects to make sure the money is spent properly.
FACT: Every activity funded with foreign aid includes strict requirements for oversight by both Congress and the Executive Branch. Implementing organizations must conduct extensive vetting, monitoring and evaluation for every program. 

MYTH: Foreign aid doesn’t work. 
FACT: Quality aid does work. Across countries where the U.S. has prioritized health assistance, for example, there has been a 55% drop in child deaths and 42% fewer moms are dying in childbirth, since 2000. 

Foreign aid works. Foreign aid saves lives. And right now, it’s at risk