Applications accepted on a rolling basis until July 20, 2025.
The sudden and unprecedented shut-down of USAID – the world’s largest provider of development and humanitarian aid – has upended the global development landscape, with drastic repercussions for public health, climate action, gender equality (particularly LGBTQI+ and feminist initiatives), and crisis response. It has also fundamentally jeopardized the achievement of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The end of USAID highlights critical global dependencies on US assistance: for decades, political decisions in Washington—from budget cuts to shifting priorities—have sent ripple effects across countries that rely on US development cooperation to support health systems, education programs, human rights work, climate action, and civic engagement.
Analyses of the impact of USAID’s dismantling often focus on high-level statistics about impacted people or programs, without giving voice to those on the ground who are struggling to sustain critical work under new and unprecedented conditions. While there is ample information from the US or donor perspectives, far too little is known about what these cuts mean on the ground. Tragically, the loss of funding has also disrupted the flow of information from local communities to the decision-making corridors of international institutions.
As part of our commitment to strengthening international cooperation, the Heinrich Böll Foundation is launching a global call to gather perspectives from civil society leaders, researchers, grassroots activists, and social entrepreneurs about the impacts of US foreign assistance cuts in their contexts—and how they are responding.
We are looking for short and accessible contributions—text-based or multimedia—that will be featured through our international offices and shared with German and European policymakers. Parallel to the cuts to US foreign assistance, European development funding is also declining. Yet this moment should present an opportunity for European development cooperation to live up to its promise: to advance inclusive development by stepping in where it can have the greatest impact. Through this project, we aim to elevate grounded expertise, foster cross-regional learning, and help shape a more just and sustainable approach to global cooperation.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A grant of $500 to $1000 depending on the format and workload for each selected contribution.
- Your piece will be featured through our international network, including on our websites and at curated events or briefings with policymakers.
- Selected contributors may be invited to join a virtual roundtable or live event to further discuss their insights.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We welcome submissions from:
- Civil society activists, community organizers, and NGO leaders with direct experience navigating the impacts of US and global funding cuts.
- Researchers, journalists, and creative professionals with strong regional or sectoral expertise.
Applicants from the Global South are especially encouraged to apply.
We are interested in understanding the direct, local impacts of the funding cuts – how individuals and organizations are responding, what strategies are proving effective, and where the gaps left behind may be irreparable. Contributors are encouraged to share the messages they want the German and European public and policymakers to hear and understand.
WHAT WE EXPECT
We invite contributions in any of the following formats:
- Short analytical texts, commentaries, or essays (800–1000 words)
- Graphic illustrations, infographics, or visual explainers
- Short videos (max. 5 minutes)
- Podcasts, photo essays, or other creative storytelling formats
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Submissions should:
- Explain a local or regional challenge that has been affected or worsened by changes to US foreign assistance.
- Offer insights, lessons, or creative responses—whether through advocacy, new partnerships, rethinking impact strategies, or other adaptive practices.
Applications should include:
- A short proposal (max. 2 pages) describing:
- The issue or story you want to highlight
- The intended format of your submission
- Your motivation for applying
- A CV or resume
- (Optional) 1–2 samples of previous work or links to published material
Completed submissions will be due within two months of selection. For video or multimedia samples that cannot be included in the PDF, please email us separately at carl.roberts@us.boell.org.