Seventh-day Adventists have a long tradition of using both personal and church resources to support those whose lives are threatened by hunger, poverty, sickness, disasters, and civil unrest. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) was established in 1984 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to carry out this mission.  One of the main goals of ADRA’s creation was to secure funds from governments worldwide for humanitarian work, including through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Decades of Global Impact with USAID Support

For over four decades, ADRA offices worldwide have been blessed to receive hundreds of millions of dollars from various governments and USAID, allowing the agency to deliver life-saving aid to children, women, families, and communities in need across every continent. This support has been vital in advancing ADRA’s mission: to serve humanity with compassion, justice, and love so that all may live as God intended.

U.S. Government’s Unprecedented Action to Pause USAID Funding

On January 20, 2025, the United States Government took the unprecedented action of pausing for 90 days nearly all the programs it funds through nonprofit organizations, like ADRA. Some of these USAID funds, which support global program implementation, are allocated to US-based ADRA International, while others are directly disbursed to ADRA network offices in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

USAID Review Process and Potential Impact on ADRA Programs

USAID has stated that during the pause and review phase, each program it funds will be evaluated to determine if it aligns with the goals of the current U.S. government administration. On February 3, 2025, the U.S. government announced its intention to shutdown USAID and merge its operations into the U.S. State Department. Additionally, USAID-funded programs are temporarily suspended until the assessment process is completed and decisions regarding future funding are made.

ADRA’s Proactive Response to Ensure Continuity

In response to this pause, ADRA is proactively seeking alternative funding to continue its suspended life-saving programs. The organization is also working to utilize other available resources to keep critical initiatives operational during this review period. Together with its board of directors, ADRA is analyzing how its operating resources can be allocated to support these essential projects.

Ongoing Dialogue with the U.S. State Department

ADRA International is making every possible effort to stay in communication with the U.S. State Department to secure waivers and facilitate the review of current USAID-funded ADRA programs. Although we continue to hope for a positive outcome, ADRA is preparing for any challenges that may arise and remains committed to helping people in need.

While ADRA remains hopeful about positive outcomes, we are also preparing for any challenges that may arise in case of less desirable results.

ADRA’s Commitment to Service Amid Change

Rooted in its well-crafted humanitarian programs and its unique role within the broader Seventh-day Adventist community, ADRA remains steadfast in its commitment to serve with integrity and grace. By remaining apolitical, ADRA is confident in its ongoing relationship with the U.S. and other governments that provide essential assistance through nonprofit organizations. While recent changes have come swiftly, we know that the nature and scope of government-funded aid programs are constantly evolving. ADRA, guided by faith and resilience, has always been ready to adapt, trusting in God’s wisdom and direction to continue fulfilling His mission to serve those in need

Grateful for Unwavering Support

ADRA is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of the Adventist Church, donors, partners, volunteers, and communities. With hearts filled with purpose, we continue to be driven by our mission to serve humanity, ensuring that all may experience life as God intended. Guided by justice, compassion, and love, ADRA remains dedicated to delivering life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable today and in the future.

The original article was published on the ADRA International website.