USAID AT A GLANCE

USAID

• Is an independent Federal Government agency headquartered in Washington, D.C.
• Receives overall foreign-policy guidance from the Secretary of State.
• Is the U.S. Government’s lead international development and humanitarian-assistance agency, and an essential component of U.S. foreign policy and national security.

MISSION STATEMENT

On behalf of the American people, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) promotes and demonstrates democratic values abroad, and advances a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. In support of America’s foreign policy, USAID leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.

WHERE USAID WORKS

In more than 100* countries around the world, the investments USAID makes have long-term benefits for the United States. To explore where, and with whom, USAID spends your foreign-assistance dollars, and related project stories and results, visit https://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work.

WHY USAID MATTERS

ADVANCING U.S. SECURITY AND PROSPERITY

USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. With the goal that foreign aid should ultimately end the need for its existence, USAID provides financial and technical assistance to help governments, civil society, and the private sector in partner countries on their own development Journeys to Self-Reliance (https://www.usaid.gov/selfreliance)—to lift lives, build communities, and establish self-sufficiency.

USAID’s efforts are simultaneously from, and for, the American people. While demonstrating U.S. good will around the world, USAID increases global stability by addressing the root causes of violence, opening new markets for U.S. businesses, and generating opportunities for trade.

SUPPORTING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

USAID builds dynamic, mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector to foster economic growth and improve business outcomes in the United States and in the countries where the Agency works. At USAID, working with the private sector is a necessity. In the past 15 years, USAID has built more than 1,600 partnerships with the private sector that involve more than 3,500 unique organizations and leverage $16 billion in public and private funds not from the U.S. Government.