Filling the Aid Gap: Rethinking Funding for Global Development and Humanitarian Response
With the collapse of overseas development aid—following deep cuts from USAID, the UK, Belgium, and other traditional donors—global development faces an urgent funding crisis. More than 40% of development funding has disappeared, putting critical programs and vulnerable communities at risk. This session will explore how we can adapt to this seismic shift: Can private philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and innovative financing models step in to fill the gap, or do we need to fundamentally rethink the entire system? How can organizations remain sustainable, and what role can collective engagement and advocacy play in reshaping funding priorities?
At the same time, this crisis presents an opportunity to challenge the failures of traditional, Western-centric aid models. Could this moment serve as a catalyst for more equitable funding approaches, locally-led development, and decolonized philanthropy? Participants will engage in a solutions-focused discussion on responding to the evolving funding landscape while building more resilient and just development systems.
Key Questions:
How can philanthropy, CSR, and alternative financing mechanisms be mobilized to offset shrinking government aid?
What are the biggest gaps in funding, and how can the global development community respond to prevent the most vulnerable from being left behind?
What role does advocacy play in reversing or mitigating aid cuts, and where should efforts be focused?
Can this shift correct the failures of traditional donor-driven models and lead to more sustainable, locally-led funding mechanisms?
How can development organizations adapt to remain financially resilient in an era of reduced government support?
This session will serve as a collaborative space for strategic brainstorming, rethinking global development finance, and designing sustainable funding models in a rapidly changing world.
Session Co-Leaders:
Donna Parr – Managing Partner at Cross-Border Impact Ventures, investing in commercial-stage medtech companies to expand healthcare access for women and children in emerging markets.
Habiba Banu – Co-Director of Spiro, leading efforts to combat tuberculosis through contact tracing programs in Pakistan and beyond. Trustee of Giving What We Can promoting The 10% Pledge for effective giving.
Iheoma Obibi – Executive Director of Alliances for Africa and certified SEAH investigator, with 30+ years of experience in gender justice, safeguarding, and feminist movement building.
Roger Middleton – Managing Director of Sabi Insight, with 18 years of experience in politics, conflict, and climate research across Somalia and the Horn of Africa
My Tam Nguyen – Founder & CEO of làmdi, designing regenerative economic models that bridge philanthropy, AI, climate, and entrepreneurship to foster equity and generational wealth.