Global philanthropy has undergone significant transformations in recent months, accelerated by substantial changes in U.S. policy under the Trump administration.

Join us to share what you’re hearing, what is prompting discussions and action at your organisation, or just what is on your mind as we all try to assess how the global philanthropy landscape is affecting our work in the UK.

Since January 2025, a series of US policy decisions have markedly affected international philanthropic efforts. These include:

Executive Order 14169: Issued on January 20, 2025, this order mandated a 90-day suspension of all U.S. foreign development assistance programs, excluding emergency food aid and military assistance to Egypt and Israel. While some exemptions were later added for life-saving humanitarian programs, activities related to abortion, gender, or diversity initiatives remained excluded.
Foreign Aid Reductions: The Trump administration announced a reduction exceeding 90% in USAID’s foreign aid contracts, part of a broader $60 billion cut to U.S. foreign assistance programs. These cuts have disrupted many global health initiatives.
Potential Ban on Overseas Grants by Nonprofits: The administration is considering an executive order to prohibit nonprofit organizations, specifically 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, from distributing grant money overseas. This move could significantly impact major philanthropic foundations and humanitarian groups that currently provide billions in aid abroad.
Impact on Global Health Programs: Funding cuts have severely affected childhood vaccination efforts in low and lower-middle-income countries, with disruptions nearing levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of our members have already shared how these and other global shifts are impacting on their work. Join us our insight meeting on 28 May where we’ll have the chance to discuss these developments together. We're delighted to be joined by Liana Varon, Head of Collective Intelligence and Action at WINGS, Natalia Kiryttopoulou, Lead for Global Assessment and Advisory Services at Centre for Effective Philanthropy and Ciaran Rafferty, Director at Hilden Charitable Fund.

Please note, this event is open exclusively to London Funders members. If you have any questions about our networks or would like to become a member, please email our Membership Manager Nasyah, nasyah.bandoh@londonfunders.org.uk.

London Funders May insight meeting