United States announces $2 billion in health and humanitarian aid to faith-based organizations

The United States announced nearly $2 billion in partnerships with faith-based and community organizations delivering global health and humanitarian assistance, marking the largest allocation of global health foreign assistance to faith-based organizations in over 20 years, according to a press release by the U.S. Department of State issued on August 6, 2026. The funding will be channeled to internationally recognized and local faith-based partners, including World Vision, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse. The announcement reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to partnering with organizations delivering aid in the world’s most difficult environments. It combines global health and humanitarian response funding under a single strategic initiative. The commitment falls under the America First Global Health Strategy (AFGHS).

In many countries receiving U.S. foreign assistance, faith-based healthcare providers represent 40% or more of all health facilities. The Department of State is leveraging these networks to strengthen service delivery, prevent illness, and support self-reliance. Faith-based and community organizations receiving the awards are ensuring at least 80% of resources reach frontline health services. This represents a significant increase from the 35% to 40% frontline share in historical State Department awards. The initiative builds on decades of experience by the selected partner organizations.

Strengthening health services globally

The Department of State announced $1.4 billion to deliver integrated, life-saving health services through faith and community-based hospitals and clinics in more than 20 countries. Through the Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) Award to World Vision and a consortium of local faith-based implementers, the Department plans to provide up to $850 million over five years, subject to the availability of funds. The funding will strengthen over 2,500 faith-based hospitals, clinics, and community hubs across 17 countries. It will also train, pay, and equip more than 30,000 community health workers to deliver critical services. An additional $570 million will flow directly to faith-based and community facilities through Memorandums of Understanding signed with country governments under the AFGHS.

Humanitarian response in the hardest places

The United States also announced its intention to provide $538 million to trusted humanitarian partners, including Samaritan’s Purse and a consortium jointly led by World Vision and Compassion International. The funding is expected to reach 7 million people across 16 humanitarian crises. Over $100 million will be made immediately available to respond to natural disasters and strengthen preparedness in 23 disaster-prone countries. Samaritan’s Purse has operated in more than 100 countries, most recently deploying a field hospital in Venezuela following the devastating June earthquakes. World Vision reached 35.6 million people through 104 disaster responses in 2025, while Compassion International brings over 70 years of experience across 29 countries.

Together with the Accord Network, the World Vision–Compassion International consortium combines global disaster expertise, compliance systems, and trusted local relationships for rapid emergency response. Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and Compassion International exemplify the Administration’s commitment to partnering with organizations that responsibly steward taxpayer dollars. The $1.4 billion in health funding, combined with the $538 million humanitarian package, forms the historic $2 billion total. The commitment underscores a shift toward faith-based and community-driven delivery in U.S. foreign assistance. It also positions these partners at the center of U.S. global health and humanitarian response.

 

Photo by Ian Taylor Photographer