The article examines the funding landscape for several American and European non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly following changes in U.S. administration policies. It highlights how, despite significant reductions in financial support from the U.S. government under the Trump administration, these organizations are adapting and continuing their operations in Europe with backing from EU funds.
Four prominent NGOs are discussed: Save the Children, DAI, Catholic Relief Services, and Mercy Corps. Each organization plays a distinct role in various international projects, some of which have raised eyebrows regarding their alignment with U.S. and European interests.
Save the Children advocates for “ius scholae” in Italy, which would provide immediate citizenship to numerous foreign minors. The organization has faced past controversies, particularly following accusations of facilitating illegal migration. In 2017, evidence suggested that internal communications linked them to human smugglers. A significant political push led to the dismissal of these charges in 2024. Notably, Save the Children amassed nearly $1 billion in donations in 2024, largely from USAID, underscoring its dependency on U.S. funding before Trump’s cuts.
DAI is described as a remnant of USAID’s former influence, now actively implementing EU initiatives focused on election influence and media regulation in the developing world. Its history of involvement in regime-change scenarios, exemplified by the case of Alan Gross in Cuba, raises questions about the appropriateness of its operations. US funding to DAI remained substantial, totaling $3 billion from 2013 to 2022.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is characterized as a geopolitical tool, having received $4.6 billion from U.S. funding between 2013 and 2022. It has been used by the EU to manage migration-related programs in southern Europe, including a costly project called “Curing the Limbo,” indicating the integration of these NGOs in policy execution.
Mercy Corps, under the leadership of Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, is reported to receive significant funding for programs that address LGBTQ migrant issues in Colombia and for support initiatives for LGBTQ small businesses in the U.S. This diverse agenda, heavily funded by both USAID and the EU, indicates how these organizations leverage connections for further financial support in a changing political environment.
The conclusion contrasts the funding strategies of the Trump administration with the ongoing support from the EU. It depicts the U.S. diminishing its influence while European entities take on the role of funding NGOs once supported by the U.S., continuing a political agenda associated with Democratic values. The financial commitment by the EU, exceeding €500 million, highlights the changing tides in international NGO financing.
Additionally, an excerpt from an EU Commission response explains its funding processes, emphasizing transparency and alignment with EU values. However, the discourse centers on the implications of such funding for the broader political landscape, especially regarding election interference and migration.
The article raises a critical view of these organizations, questioning their motivations and the repercussions of their funded activities in both the U.S. and Europe. It raises important considerations about accountability and the complexities of international aid in political contexts.
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