Primary U.S. Foreign Assistance Agencies

Several USG agencies play critical roles in U.S. foreign assistance, reflecting the multifaceted impact and investment of U.S. international and development programs. Guided by the USAID and the DoS strategic direction, each agency contributes its expertise to the spectrum of international development and humanitarian programs to ensure U.S. foreign assistance is effective and efficient.

U.S. foreign assistance works across many agencies—from the Centers for Disease Control to the DoD to the U.S. Department of Agriculture—to implement America’s foreign assistance goals. This allows the U.S. to address the full spectrum of development and humanitarian needs.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

• USAID’s mission promotes democratic values abroad and advances a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
• In-country missions manage partnerships with organizations and act as de facto diplomats for development abroad.

U.S. Department of State (DoS)

• The Office of Foreign Assistance (F) resources, established in 2006, leads U.S. foreign assistance coordination.
• F advances U.S. national interest and development objectives by coordinating policy, planning, and performance management efforts; promoting evidence-informed decision making; and providing strategic direction for the DoS and USAID foreign assistance resources.

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

• The MCC provides time-limited grants to allow partner governments to refine and implement their own development solutions in alignment with the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• MCC works to fund programs so countries can cement good policies and governmental reach.

U.S. Department of the Treasury (USDT)

• The USDT supports global development progress and U.S. national security and economic interests overseas by promoting strong financial sector stability and governance in developing countries.
• Through the USDT, the U.S. also exercises leadership in international financial institutions such as the World Bank and other regional development banks.

U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

• The DFC is America’s development institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. They invest across sectors, including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology.
• Created by the 2018 BUILD Act, the DFC consolidated the Development Credit Authority (DCA) from USAID and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).