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By: The Solidarity Fund Team

When workforce reductions at USAID left thousands of dedicated public servants without employment earlier this year, a group of former colleagues did what they knew best: they designed a humanitarian response. The result is The Solidarity Fund—a grassroots mutual aid initiative providing emergency cash assistance to former USAID workers and their families during times of financial hardship.

More Than Money: Dignity, Hope, and Community

The principle is simple, and it’s one that USAID championed globally for years: cash is best. In times of crisis, cash is fast, flexible, and empowers people to purchase exactly what they need, when they need it—whether that’s rent, groceries, medical care, or utilities.

The Solidarity Fund operates on the same humanitarian principles that guide international relief efforts: protecting applicants’ privacy, respecting individual dignity, preventing bias, and prioritizing the most vulnerable. The detailed application and review process, developed by experienced former BHA employees, ensures that assistance reaches those who need it most while maintaining the highest standards of care and accountability.

The impact extends beyond immediate financial relief. Recipients describe feeling seen, supported, and reminded that they’re not facing their challenges alone. “You have no idea how much you have helped us,” shared one former colleague. For professionals who spent careers serving others—often far from home and family—this mutual support carries deep significance.

Our Impact: By the Numbers

Since launching in March 2025 in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, The Solidarity Fund has made a tangible difference:

• $60,000+ raised through grassroots donations
• 177 people supported across 41 households
• 300+ applications reviewed by volunteer committees
• 100% of the work powered by volunteers with deep humanitarian expertise

95% of funds donated go directly to USAID families in need, keeping overhead costs low.

The Mission Lives On

The architects of The Solidarity Fund continue to be inspired by the outpouring of support from the international development community and beyond. The fund represents a continuation of the values that drew these professionals to public service in the first place: ending extreme poverty, saving lives, and alleviating suffering.

While USAID no longer exists, former employees remain committed to these core values. Through The Solidarity Fund, they’re demonstrating that humanitarian principles apply everywhere—including within our own communities.

This Holiday Season and Beyond: Show Up for Those Who Served

These are people who have devoted their lives to the service of others. They’ve brought relief to communities facing crises around the world—from Venezuelan migrants in Colombia to communities affected by conflict in Ukraine, Somalia, and Yemen. They’ve responded to earthquakes, floods, and famines. They know what it means to sacrifice—and even now, they continue to give and support one another.

We invite you to show up for them.

Every contribution—whether $25 or $2,500—directly supports families facing rent payments, grocery bills, medical expenses, and other urgent needs. Your donation doesn’t just provide financial relief; it sends a message that our community stands together, that service matters, and that no one should face crisis alone.

How You Can Help:

Make a Donation: Visit tinyurl.com/solidarityfund-donate to contribute to The Solidarity Fund.

Need Assistance? If you’re a former USAID employee (of any hiring mechanism) facing financial hardship, applications can be submitted at tinyurl.com/solidarityfund-apply.

Learn More: For additional information about the fund, read our Community Foundation blog post or see our latest newsletter. 

The Solidarity Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, operated entirely by volunteers from the international development community. All donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

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