The recent freeze on USAID funding has sent shockwaves through the global development sector, leaving many organizations facing stalled projects, budget shortfalls, and strategic uncertainty. As one of the largest sources of international aid, the sudden pause to USAID’s funding has created an urgent need for NGOs, implementers, and contractors to reassess their financial pipelines and identify alternative sources of support.
DevelopmentAid invites you to a timely and insightful webinar that brings together seasoned experts to unpack the implications of the USAID freeze and explore actionable solutions for moving forward. This session will provide guidance on navigating the shifting funding landscape, highlight emerging donors and partnerships, and offer strategic insight into adapting operations in an unstable funding environment. Whether you are directly impacted or seeking to future-proof your programs, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to act with clarity and resilience.
See also: Surviving US Stop Work Orders: Recovery Tactics and Legal Recourse | DevelopmentAid Dialogues
This session is essential for international NGOs, development contractors, grant seekers, and policy advocates seeking to understand the broader impact of the freeze and discover new avenues to achieve financial sustainability.
Invitation to a Webinar
DevelopmentAid, in collaboration with Mike Shanley (GovDiscovery AI), Sean Brooks (Tethered Up), and Jay Shannon (former USAID), invites you to attend the webinar “USAID Freeze and Integration into State Department”. The webinar will take place on 08 July 2025 at 4 pm (Brussels)/10 am (Washington DC).
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Impact – Learn how the USAID freeze is affecting ongoing development efforts and what it signals for future U.S. foreign assistance.
- Diversifying Funding Streams – Explore other bilateral, multilateral, and foundation-based sources of funding.
- Strategic Adaptation – Gain insights into how organizations are adjusting program design, staffing, and partnerships in response to the freeze.
Speakers
Mike Shanley – Founder and CEO, GovDiscovery AI, is a federal market expert with over 20 years of experience in U.S. government contracting and business development. As the Founder and CEO of GovDiscovery AI, he helps organizations to grow through AI-powered market intelligence that is tailored to the federal space. A frequent speaker on federal acquisition and innovation, Mike also hosts the Global Strategy Podcast, which features top leaders across defense, diplomacy, and development.
Sean Brooks – Founder of Tethered Up, where he partners with entrepreneurs and institutions to drive inclusive growth in complex environments. Before launching Tethered Up in 2017, he spent seven years with the U.S. government, leading conflict response and stabilization efforts for the State Department and USAID in Somalia, Sudan, and East Africa. His work focused on peacebuilding, local governance, and economic recovery in fragile settings. Sean holds a Master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College.
Jay Shannon – Attorney, policy strategist, and political advisor with over 15 years of experience in law, government, and electoral strategy. Based in Washington, D.C., he has served in senior roles at USAID where he oversaw policy development and appropriations, and at the U.S. Army for Civil Works where he modernized water policy and led infrastructure permitting reforms. Jay also held leadership roles in the Florida Senate and has advised major political campaigns across the U.S. on election law and compliance. He holds a J.D. from American University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
Host
Elizaveta Gładun, External Relations & Events Coordinator at DevelopmentAid.
