Citizen Engagement
Educating Americans About the Need for U.S. Foreign Assistance
The life-saving and life-changing benefits of U.S. foreign assistance are most evident in the countries we serve. What Americans don’t always see is that, for less than 1% of the federal budget, foreign assistance is a critical tool of American soft power and national security. OneAID works to inform Americans that foreign assistance is not charity – it is a strategy that ensures America remains safe, strong, and prosperous.
U.S. Foreign Assistance Makes Sense
Less Than 1% of the U.S. Federal Budget Goes to Foreign Aid
For a fraction of a percent of U.S. government spending, foreign assistance plays a critical role in advancing diplomacy, stability, and security.
11/15 of the United States' Top Trade Partners Were Foreign Aid Recipients
Development assistance helps create future markets for U.S. goods and services, supporting American jobs and economic growth.
Every $1 Spent on Conflict Prevention Can Save up to $16 in Crisis Response
Investing in stable governance and development is far more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of humanitarian crises or conflicts.
U.S. Supported Global Health Programs Have Saved 25+ Million Lives
Through PEPFAR, the President’s Malaria Initiative, and Gavi, U.S. aid has had a measurable impact on global health and pandemic preparedness.
Countries receiving aid from the U.S are more likely to support U.S. positions
Foreign assistance strengthens diplomatic relationships and reinforces American influence in international forums.
For Every $10 spent on military aid, less than $1 is spent on development aid
Development assistance addresses root causes of instability—such as poverty, corruption, and lack of education—reducing the need for future military intervention.
Learn About U.S. Foreign Assistance: Its Impact & Importance
The following organizations can help you better understand the role of U.S. foreign assistance, why it matters, and the real-world consequences of defunding it.
What Can I Do to Help?
Your experiences and perspective can help strengthen understanding of U.S. foreign assistance. Get Informed so you can speak confidently about its importance, Stay Connected with networks that promote global engagement, and Make an Impact by helping others understand how foreign assistance supports stability, prosperity, and shared values.
Resources AND Toolkits
Access our collection of information sheets and toolkits for public education and engagement
Gain Knowledge
Community Storytelling
A collection of podcasts, documentary films, photography exhibits, social media accounts, and written works, designed by the community to inform and inspire audiences worldwide.
Information Sheets
Understanding how we all benefit from U.S. foreign assistance and the full impact that comes after halting our efforts seems complex. Our information sheets help you make sense of things in a way that’s practical and easy to understand.
View Our Resource Library
Resources
Tips for Engaging with the Press (Updated March 2025)
The Cost of Cutting USAID: How It Hurts the U.S. Economy
Suspending USAID and the National Security Ramifications
National Security: How USAID Projects Strengthen America
How China is Capitalizing on the Dismantling of USAID
Global Leadership and National Security_ How USAID Plays a Pivotal Role (March 2025)
Stay Connected
Join a State Group
Connect with the foreign assistance community in your area by joining a state group. Our 35 affiliated groups across 40 states and Europe provide local spaces for support, networking, and engagement.
Make an Impact
A Guide to Using Your Unique Institutional and International Perspective to Strengthen Our Civic Muscle
After service abroad, foreign diplomats and international development professionals often return home with a fresh perspective on American civic life and institutions. Whether you worked on public health programs, agricultural development, trade relations,...
Congressional Toolkit
If you’re looking for a way to promote policies that matter most to you and your community, our Congressional Toolkit is designed to equip you with practical resources, strategies, and best practices to confidently and effectively communicate with your elected officials.