U.S. State Department Allocates $2 Billion to Faith-Based Humanitarian Organizations

The U.S. State Department has announced a nearly $2 billion funding initiative directed toward faith-based and community organizations for global health and disaster relief. This allocation, described as the largest of its kind in over twenty years, follows recent reductions in funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Major recipients include World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, and Compassion International.

Under the America First Global Health Strategy, approximately $1.4 billion is designated for hospitals and clinics operated by religious and community groups across more than 20 countries. World Vision and its partners are slated to receive up to $850 million over five years to upgrade facilities and train health workers. Additionally, $538 million has been awarded to Samaritan’s Purse and a consortium led by World Vision and Compassion International to support disaster response efforts in 16 emergencies, with further funds allocated for disaster readiness in 23 nations.

Government officials stated that these faith-based providers, which often operate a significant portion of health facilities in recipient countries, will be required to dedicate at least 80% of the funding to direct patient care. This requirement represents a notable increase from the 35% to 40% allocation typical of previous federal aid awards.