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Foreign
Assistance in Focus Policy Papers
Emerging
Trends: November 2003
Nongovernmental Organizations in
Overseas Assistance: September 2004
Strengthening the Connection between Trade and Development
by
Reorienting Trade Capacity Building Assistance: March 2005
Tapping the
Power if Equal Opportunity for Women and Men: September 2005
Executive
Summary for Emerging Trends
 InterAction,
which has long rallied the development community in support of resources
and legislation necessary for a more effective U.S. foreign aid program,
commends the Bush Administration for its new emphasis on the importance
of development assistance in advancing U.S. foreign policy goals. In particular,
InterAction believes that President Bush’s pledges of additional
resources for the Millennium Challenge Account and the HIV/AIDS Initiative
could provide effective new means of dealing with urgent global problems
and promoting the policy reforms necessary for good development in poor
countries.
InterAction is concerned, however,
about a number of intended and unintended consequences of the Administration’s
goals and methods, especially the post-September 11, 2001 inclination
to view foreign aid primarily through a new national security lens. Despite
a commitment to create a more cohesive policy framework for foreign aid
as an element of national security strategy, the Administration is dispersing
responsibilities and resources so widely that the delivery and impact
of foreign aid may well fall far short of expectations, both in countries
of strategic interest and on a global basis.
The creation of new entities
alongside a diminished – but otherwise unreformed – U.S. Agency
for International Development is leading to increased fragmentation of
resources and responsibilities, confusion externally about who is in charge,
and a loss of coherence in the field as multiple federal agencies pursue
similar goals with little coordination. Recent changes in foreign aid
structures have been implemented in an ad hoc manner, often with little
transparency and consultation with stakeholders, or consideration of lessons
learned from the United States’ long experience in foreign aid.
Just as importantly, the Administration’s
failure to meet funding pledges and the escalating costs of “extraordinary” relief and reconstruction activities in Iraq and Afghanistan threaten
to undercut new initiatives and reduce, rather than strengthen, support
for on-going humanitarian and development programs around the world.
In the interests of more effective
foreign assistance, InterAction therefore
recommends:
1. A full-scale review of U.S.
foreign assistance programs, organizational structures, implementing mechanisms,
and interrelated policies on aid, trade and debt in the developing world,
conducted with the support of the Administration, Congress and the development
community.
2. Interim steps to strengthen
existing foreign aid structures, particularly USAID.
3. Immediate steps to address
the fragmentation of foreign assistance, with greater policy consistency
and clarity and improved coordination both in Washington and the field.
4. A balance in U.S. foreign
aid programs between activities aimed at short- and long-term impact,
recognizing the importance of long-term development to lasting and sustainable
change.
5. Fulfillment of the President’s
pledges to substantially increase overall foreign assistance levels by
maintaining and enhancing traditional humanitarian and development assistance
levels in addition to funding new initiatives like the MCA.
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Executive
Summary for Nongovernmental
Organizations in Overseas Assistance
In recent years, promoting effective development has been given increasing
prominence in global policies. It is therefore essential that policymakers
and the broader international affairs community understand the role
and impact of U.S.-based nongovernmental organizations in advancing
economic and social development in poor countries. This paper explains
how NGOs operate, highlighting the types of programs that have proven
effective and outlining successful examples of public-private cooperation.
By defining NGOs’ unique niche among development actors, the
paper offers insights into the strengths and competitive advantages
of NGOs as well as insights for improved cooperation in the future.
Over the past 50 years, due in part to the efforts of nongovernmental
groups, there have been impressive strides toward improving living conditions
and preserving human dignity around the world. In spite of these successes,
much remains to be done. To address this vast and growing array of problems,
the strong and sustained involvement of many actors is required. NGOs
have a unique role to play.
► NGOs are diverse and flexible
U.S.-based NGOs operate across the globe in every imaginable situation,
from remote villages to sprawling refugee camps to urban slums, transmitting
technical skills, providing economic opportunities, teaching new ideas
and promoting healthy practices to help people lift themselves out
of poverty.
► NGOs are motivated by humanitarian values
One of the greatest strengths that international NGOs bring to the field
of international development is their sense of mission. Whether faith-based
or secular in nature, NGOs seek to reflect the fundamental values and
principles of their constituents.
► NGOs have become highly professionalized
With decades of collective experience working in poor countries, American
relief and development NGOs and their local counterparts have built
a vast store of knowledge and expertise encompassing every aspect of
society.
► NGOs work with and through local communities for sustained periods
Economic and social development is a process that takes time and cannot
be imposed from the top down. It requires sustained commitment and
a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Development NGOs aim to establish
lasting partnerships with the communities in which they work, developing
the trust of participants and beneficiaries as well as expert knowledge
of local customs and traditions.
► NGOs work in consortia and alliances to maximize their impact
In humanitarian emergencies and post-conflict situations, donors often
seek private partners who can undertake large-scale projects with national
impact in short time frames. Under certain conditions, NGOs are the
only organizations able to fill this role because they have maintained
relationships with vulnerable communities throughout the crisis or
because they are the only ones with the experience to deliver massive
amounts of relief supplies under difficult circumstances.
► NGOs address underlying policy issues
Over the past few decades, American NGOs have made a significant impact
on governments through policy advocacy, bringing public attention and
resources to global challenges that might otherwise have been neglected.
► NGO activities have brought measurable, positive results
NGOs continue to look for innovative approaches to strengthen their impact
and ensure the best use of their resources.
►NGOs are accountable to their beneficiaries as well as their benefactors
There is no shortage of stakeholders to ensure that American NGOs are
governed responsibly and managed soundly. Through a variety of mechanisms,
NGOs answer to boards of directors, donors, monitoring organizations,
and governments, as well as to their partners on the ground and the communities
in which they are working.
Download "Nongovernmental Organizations in Overseas Assistance"
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