Search results for
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a judge can force the Trump administration to release blocked foreign aid, marking a significant decision in the ongoing legal battle over the USAID funding freeze. A Washington Post report highlights its impact on humanitarian efforts, including Plan Internationalās work in Ethiopia. Michelle Van Akin, associate director of humanitarian programs at Plan International USA, says lifesaving aid remains delayed despite the ruling.
This article was written by Vila-Sheree Watson, senior director of integrated fundraising at Plan International. For more information on Planās work, pleaseĀ contactĀ Vila-Sheree Watson atĀ [email protected].
The landscape of private fundraising for foreign aid is undergoing a seismic shift. Political instability, economic fluctuations and evolving donor expectations are forcing international NGOs to rethink traditional fundraising models. While institutional funding has always been subject to political cycles, private philanthropy was once seen as a more stable alternative. However, todayās private donors are more discerning, impact-focused and selective in their giving. Not to mention, in this climate of frozen funding, many donor sources are becoming more competitive.Ā
Ā In this article, we explore the data behind these trends, the key challenges facing private fundraising in the aid sector and practical strategies for adapting to this new reality.Ā
Private fundraising for international aid has long been considered a stable and reliable complement to government and institutional funding. Yet, in todayās rapidly changing political and economic climate, even philanthropy is not immune to disruption. Donors at every level ā whether individuals, foundations or corporate partners ā are shifting their priorities, asking new questions and demanding more accountability. International NGOs that fail to recognize these changes risk falling behind.Ā
Ā At the heart of this transformation is a growing preference for locally led development. More than ever, private donors are directing their resources toward grassroots organizations in the Global South rather than large, international institutions. AĀ recent BridgespanstudyĀ found that more than 60% of philanthropic donors are prioritizing initiatives led by local leaders. This shift reflects an increasing belief that aid should be driven by those closest to the challenges being addressed rather than imposed from the outside.Ā
Ā At the same time, donors are looking for clear, measurable impact. The days when supporters would give indefinitely to general operating funds, trusting organizations to allocate resources as they saw fit, are fading. According to theĀ 2023Giving USAreport, nearly three-quarters of high-net-worth donors expect to see quantifiable results before committing to long-term giving. As a result, traditional fundraising models, such as child sponsorship and unrestricted donations, are losing traction. While these approaches once fueled sustained investment in international programs, todayās donors want to fund specific projects with defined outcomes ā or at the very least to have the perception of specificity.Ā
Ā Economic uncertainty is also shaping the giving landscape. Inflation and market volatility have tightened many donorsā budgets, making them more selective about where and how they give. In 2022,Ā individual charitable givingin the U.S. declined by 6.4%, with international causes often falling lower on donorsā priority lists compared to domestic concerns. Compounding these financial pressures is a growing scrutiny of overhead costs. While experienced fundraisers understand that effective programs require investment in infrastructure and capacity,Ā many donors remainĀ skepticalĀ of organizations with perceived high administrative costs. This ongoing tension forces fundraisers to strike a delicate balance ā ensuring sustainability while meeting donor expectations for efficiency.Ā
Ā The challenges do not stop there. The international development sector is also grappling with a shifting trust dynamic. In recent years, high-profile scandals and criticisms of the aid industry have led toĀ increased skepticism about large NGOs. More than ever, organizations must work to rebuild donor confidence by being transparent about where funds go, how decisions are made and what impact is truly being achieved.Ā
Given these realities, it is clear that private fundraising cannot continue as it has in the past. To thrive in this new landscape, international NGOs must rethink their strategies and embrace new approaches.Ā
Ā A more diversified fundraising model will be critical. Organizations that rely too heavily on unrestricted giving or traditional donor pipelines will struggle. Instead,Ā integrating new revenue streamsĀ ā such as donor-advised funds, impact investing and innovative financing mechanisms ā can provide much-needed stability. At the same time, the way organizations communicate with donors must evolve. A broad appeal for general support will no longer suffice. Todayās donors want to see exactly where their money is going and the tangible difference it is making.Ā Ā
Ā Rather than simply asking for donations, fundraisers need to showcase specific interventions ā whether itās providing menstrual health kits for girls or training midwives in rural communities.Ā
Ā Collaboration will also become increasingly important. Instead of positioning themselves as sole implementers, large international NGOs must strengthen partnerships with local organizations, recognizing that shared leadership builds credibility and trust. Donors who might have previously hesitated to support a large INGO may feel more confident contributing if they see that funds are being distributed equitably and thatĀ local voices are central to decision-making.Ā
Ā Donor engagement strategies must also evolve. As the cost of acquiring new donors rises, retention and stewardship have never been more important.Ā NGOs that invest in deepening relationshipsĀ with existing supporters ā through personalized updates, transparent reporting and compelling impact stories ā will be better positioned to maintain long-term support. In addition, digital fundraising will continue to play a growing role. Social media-driven campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising and influencer partnerships can help bridge the gap between traditional andĀ modern donor engagement.Ā
Private fundraising in the foreign aid sector is at a turning point. The old models that have sustained organizations for decades are being challenged, but with change comes opportunity. NGOs that embrace transparency, prioritize impact and foster genuine partnerships will not only survive but thrive in this evolving landscape.Ā
Ā The path forward requires innovation, bold thinking and a willingness to adapt. Fundraisers must recognize that donor expectations have shifted ā and that meeting those expectations will require reimagining the way philanthropy works. The organizations that succeed will be those that listen, evolve and ultimately prove that their work is making a real difference in the world.
Stay updated on Plan Internationalās technical work byĀ signing up for āFrom Plan to Action,ā our quarterly newsletter.Ā
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting some of our partnerships that are empowering todayās girls to become tomorrowās leaders. Together, weāre building a world where every girl can learn, lead, decide and thrive.
At Plan International, we believe every young person, no matter where they live or what their background is, deserves a fair chance to succeed. We know the path to a more equal world includes giving young people the tools they need to build good lives for themselves and contribute to their communities.
We also know that many young women don’t always get these chances. That’s why we work with supporters like you and corporate partners like KFC to change that. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative through initiatives like our “Takeovers.ā
[Read more: Girls take over leadership in Malawi]
Takeovers provide a space for emerging young leaders to exercise their leadership skills and participate in decisions that affect them, gain real-world experience and increase their opportunities to harness their own power.
In Thailand and the U.S., emerging leaders participating in Planās programs took over KFC Globalās corporate offices and their restaurants to get hands-on experience in leadership positions.
Nadtanaht, Aliya, Sunisa and Jiraporn (left to right in white t-shirts) joined the KFC corporate team in Thailand to get hands-on experience at the company. | Ā©Plan International
Pear (left) and Shirlyn (right) took over the KFC corporate office in Plano, Texas for a day. | Ā©Plan International
Both groups of young women toured the corporate offices, met with employees and learned about KFCās story of growth and plans for the future. In the U.S., Shirlyn took over as chief people & culture officer, while Pear assumed the chief development officer role.
At a large town hall team meeting in the Thailand office, the young women got to introduce themselves and talk about their work with Plan. | Ā©Plan International
KFC recognizes the power of opportunity and belonging in leadership, understanding that equal opportunity for all is good business. They successfully achieved parity among women and men across their corporate offices in 2024 and keep this balance through mentorship, leadership training and fostering environments where women can thrive at all levels.
At the U.S. office, Pear and Shirlyn spoke with executive officers about their roles and career journeys, gaining valuable insight into creating a high-performing work culture and how to plan business strategies in an ever-evolving environment.
Pear and Shirlyn with KFCās Meetings and Event Specialist, Clarissa Angel, who coordinated the Takeoverās activities. | Ā©Plan International
In one-on-one meetings with their respective mentors, the young women had a chance to talk about their own goals for the future and receive advice on networking and taking advantage of new opportunities.
Shirlyn, a Plan Youth Leadership Academy alum, is particularly interested in a career in show business, and got to make a connection through the chief people officer she shadowed for the day.
Pear and Shirlyn filmed day-in-the-life videos to document their experiences at KFC. | Ā©Plan InternationalĀ Ā
In Thailand, Sunisa, Aliya, Nadtanaht and Jiraporn spoke with executives about similar topics, hearing from women in leadership at KFC about the challenges theyāve overcome throughout their careers.
āI feel proud seeing women in these managerial positions,ā Aliya says. āItās motivating because it shows me that I can do it too. Theyāve done it, and I have the same potential. Maybe I havenāt had the opportunity yet, but in the future, I might. And when I do, Iāll make it happen.ā
At a team meeting, Aliya shared her idea about a new product concept at KFC. | Ā©Plan International
Sunisa, along with the rest of the group, created videos about their Takeovers at KFC. | Ā©Plan InternationalĀ Ā
āI feel really proud,ā Sunisa says, reflecting on her experience. āIn the past, I wouldāve assumed only men could be leaders. But today, seeing the KFC office, I feel so proud. I saw so many women here who are managing their own work and leading their own teams.ā
Pear and Shirlyn with Planās Senior Director of Corporate & Foundation Partnerships Laura Willis (left) and Youth Economic Empowerment Technical Advisor Colton Hubbard (right). | Ā©Plan International
āWhatās truly empowering about being here at KFC is how [the team] really saw value, and showcased that value, in giving us the opportunity to come visit today,ā Pear says. āOpportunities and experiences like these really break down the barrier and give me the empowerment and confidence to pursue my own dreams.ā
These Takeovers are just one example of how Plan, with the support of corporate partners like KFC, is opening doors for young people everywhere. When you support Plan, you become part of a powerful community ā one where your generosity helps young women step into leadership and drive change.
Together, weāre creating a world where girls and young women have the chance to learn, lead, thrive, and build a more equal world. Every girl deserves the chance to fulfill her potential, and we’re committed to making that a reality because her future starts now.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting some of our partnerships that are empowering todayās girls to become tomorrowās leaders.
To celebrate how we are empowering girls to change the future, check out these three stories that share programs, Takeovers and other initiatives that put girls in the driverās seat of their future:
When girls thrive, we all flourish. Providing menstrual health resources and clean water empowers girls to become agents of change and build a brighter future. Our work with the Kimberly-Clark Foundation is building a foundation for girls to lead with confidence.
After participating in a Plan program teaching young people about puberty and periods in Guatemala, 17-year-old Delia became a menstrual health advocate in her community. | Ā©Plan International
Future leaders in the making! Plan International and KFC are empowering the next generation through innovative programs like Girl Takeovers, giving young people a taste of leadership and the confidence to lead the way.
Pear (left) and Shirlyn (right) took over the KFC corporate office in the U.S. for a day. | Ā©Plan International
Every backpack tells a story of possibility. This International Womenās Day, follow our partnership with Paramount and Nickelodeon across five countries and discover how education is reshaping girlsā futures and strengthening entire communities.
Girls in Zimbabwe proudly display their new backpacks. | Ā©Plan International
Your support helps todayās girls and young women become the leaders their communities need tomorrow. Together, weāre building a more equal world where every girl can learn, lead, decide and thrive.
Plan International USAās 2024 Annual Review highlights how evidence, accountability and girlsā leadership shaped our work in a complex global landscape.
You may have heard that the future of U.S. foreign aid is now in question as a new administration transitions into power.
And, because you are someone who cares deeply about the future of children worldwide, youāre likely wondering what this means for our work here at Plan.
If foreign aid is paused, it will inevitably affect some of our programs, but it will not stop all of our work.
Because we have YOU.
Your generous gifts support our continuous efforts to provide nourishing meals, safe shelter, quality education and so much more to lift children up all over the globe.
āThe demise of USAID would have [a] critical impact on the lives of vulnerable people around the world. It provides millions of people with basic, life saving medication, food, clean water [and] education. USAID accounts for a third of the resources that we mobilize to deliver these programs, some of which are life saving and many of which work on helping girls in particular be safe and secure and have access to economic opportunity.ā – Shanna Marzilli, President & CEO, Plan International USA
Thanks to past USAID funding, we were able to work alongside our colleagues and partners in Tigray, Ethiopia, to help children who are under severe psychological stress after being forced to flee violence in their homes and settle in temporary housing camps.
Plan International case workers, like Nechi, offer support for children who have been left traumatized by conflict or have social, behavioral or cognitive development issues.
āWhen children first arrive, they often have a variety of issues, both psychological and social, and the majority of them have experienced some kind of trauma,ā Nechi shares. āHowever, things improve when they start to engage in the activities available to them. To begin with, we usually ask the child to draw something. They often draw people with guns, but after a few months, they are drawing things that show optimism and hope.ā
USAID provides the financial support that allows Nechi to counsel a young boy at a child-friendly space within an internally displaced persons camp in Ethiopia. | Ā©Plan International
Through further evaluation, case workers use a variety of tools to determine how severe a childās psychological condition is and then evaluate the proper treatment plan and care team.
āIām always delighted to see the improvement of the children we are working with,ā Nechi says. āChildren who were once under stress now feel relief and hope.ā
This program in Ethiopia is only one example of the many different types of programs and services we are able to offer to thousands of the worldās most vulnerable children thanks to the financial support of foreign aid.
The challenges children face ā violence, homelessness, hunger and inequality ā unfortunately, have not paused ā¦ and neither will we.
Right now, we need to continue providing lifesaving care to children who still deserve a fair chance at a good life. Please give today to ensure our efforts can continue, no matter the circumstances.
We see ourselves as one global community. In more than 80 countries around the world, including in the U.S., we work with children, communities, governments and partners to give girls and boys the resources and support they need to overcome the most difficult challenges and build brighterĀ futures. We must rally together to continue to support our children all over the world who still need us ā¦ now more than ever.
Thank you for standing beside children ā and Plan ā until we are all equal.
This story is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of Plan International and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
Three years have passed since the escalation of the war in Ukraine ā a conflict that has shattered lives and displaced millions. While the damage to buildings is visible, there are also hidden wounds in childrenās minds.
Plan staff walk through the hallways of a school in Ukraine to assess the damage from an explosion. | Albina Vinar, Ā©Plan International
Since 2022, almost 3 million children from Ukraine have needed humanitarian assistance, with many forced to flee their homes. The impact has been devastating, with many children taking on adult responsibilities, dropping out of school and facing social isolation.
āDisruptions to education mean children are not only missing out on learning ā they are losing vital opportunities to socialize, express themselves and process the trauma they are enduring,ā Sven Coppens, Plan Internationalās director of the East and Central Europe Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Response, says. āThis is an emergency for their mental health and future prospects.ā
Play isn’t just fun and games; in times of trouble, play can be a powerful way for kids to heal.
āPlay is how children make sense of their world,ā Penny Wilson, author of The Playwork Primer, says. āPlay is how children process their experiences.ā
It gives them a safe way to deal with negative emotions and start to feel better. For kids in conflict, play can help them feel a semblance of normalcy. Plan understands this and is creating opportunities for play in Ukraine and the surrounding countries where we work.
A girl in Moldova plays games at a child-friendly space hosted by Plan and a local partner to mark the first Internatioanl Day of Play in 2024. | Ā©Plan International
āAs a refugee girl, I always struggled to connect with my peers, especially when I was in a different country,ā 11-year-old Alina says. āWhen we play, we can learn different things from each other, and most importantly, we can share what worries or excites us.ā
Since 2022, Plan has teamed up with local groups to run different play programs in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Poland. One example is the Ludobus, which is run by a local Plan partner organization in Moldova. These mobile play buses bring fun and learning to refugee children.
The Ludobus activities brought out more than 200 children and their families to play games, blow bubbles and connect with their community. | Ā©Plan International
āI come here [to the Ludobus activity] because I feel happy here,ā 7-year-old Danya, a refugee boy from southern Ukraine, says. āI dance, I sing and there is music. We play football, but my favorite activity is drawing.ā
Like Danya, other children feel like the Ludobus is a place where they can leave their worries behind.
āWhen I play, I feel brave, I feel I can do anything,ā 9-year-old Boris, who has lived in Moldova for over two years, says. āI love it when the Ludobus comes to visit us. We can all get together with other children and get to know each other.ā
As the war continues and more kids are forced to leave their homes, Plan is creating special play places in refugee centers and community spaces. These places are designed to help kids learn and heal through play. They help children become more resilient and support their emotional and social development.
Children painted symbols of hope and togetherness at the Ludobus. | Ā©Plan Internationa
āAt Plan, we prioritize the holistic wellbeing of children and young people affected by the war in Ukraine by integrating play-based learning into our programming,ā Lucy Strickland, education in emergencies specialist, says. āPlay is so much more than a recreational activity; it’s an integral component that complements education, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support initiatives.ā
These safe spaces help kids feel like they belong and give them hope.
People in and around Ukraine still need help, including almost two million children. Supporting education, mental health and protection programs is key to helping them recover. For these children, play is more important than ever; it’s how they heal, how they get their childhood back and how they begin to build a better tomorrow.
As a child growing up in Haiti, Vixony participated in Plan Internationalās sponsorship program for nearly a decade. Today, he lives in the U.S., where he works as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner ā and he sponsors a child through Plan. Here, Vixony shares the inspiring story of how sponsorship transformed his life, and why itās so important to pay it forward.
I was 6 years old when I became a sponsored child, and I was sponsored for 9 years.
Before joining Plan International, I struggled to afford school supplies. Through their support, I received the necessary materials which allowed me to focus on my studies. The program connected me with a local school that had qualified teachers and a supportive learning environment, which significantly improved my academic performance.
The mentorship I received from Plan staff encouraged me to set higher academic goals and believe in my potential. Also, we had the opportunity to participate in workshops and community activities, and that helped me develop my public speaking skills, which boosted my confidence significantly.
I learned valuable life skills such as leadership and teamwork through group projects organized by Plan, which taught me the importance of collaboration. Being part of Plan made me more aware of the challenges faced by children in my community, inspiring me to advocate for their rights and needs.
I corresponded with my sponsor regularly through letters. Each letter was a source of motivation and connection, helping me feel supported in my educational journey. I shared my school progress, dreams and even my family life. In return, my sponsor shared their experiences and encouraged me to keep striving for my goals.
My relationship with my sponsor was a pivotal part of my journey as a sponsored child. Knowing that someone believed in me and was invested in my future gave me the confidence to pursue my studies with determination. Their words of encouragement were like a guiding light during challenging times. This gave me a sense of connection that made me feel less alone. It was comforting to know that someone far away cared about my well-being and success.
A special message for my sponsor
Dear Michele, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support you provided during my time as a sponsored child. Your encouragement and belief in my potential not only helped me receive an education but also instilled in me the confidence to dream bigger.
I remember how your letters inspired me during challenging times, reminding me that I was not alone in my journey. It made me feel valued and motivated, knowing that someone cared about my future.
I completed a nursing program in Haiti, then later moved to the U.S. in 2017, where I am still pursuing my career in nursing. I just graduated and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the United States. Your belief in me played a crucial role in my success.
Vixony now lives in the U.S., where he works as a nurse practitioner and sponsors a child of his own through Plan.
One day, not too long ago, a representative stopped me at a neighborhood store to talk about Plan. I took the time to talk to him and decided to become a sponsor immediately. I finally told him I had been a sponsored child after completing the whole registration process.
My personal experience as a sponsored child has profoundly influenced my approach to sponsorship. I am committed to being a supportive and engaged sponsor, ensuring that I contribute to creating opportunities for future generations, just as I was given the chance to thrive.
I introduced myself to my sponsored child and shared about my family and interests. Receiving his reply was incredibly touching. He wrote about his dream to become a teacher, and how excited he is to be in school. He reminded me of my own aspirations as a child.
To anyone considering sponsoring a child, I want to share how transformative this experience can be, not just for the child, but for you as well. Your sponsorship has the power to change lives and create a ripple effect of positive change in communities.
The joy and fulfillment of knowing that you are directly contributing to a child’s future is indescribable. The letters you receive in return will warm your heart and remind you of the powerful connection you share.
I share my story to highlight the importance of sponsorship. I want to inspire more people to take actions, knowing that their support can change lives.
