Economic Support Fund

Description

The Economic Support Fund (ESF) provides development and economic assistance, particularly to countries of strategic importance to the U.S.

Use of Funds

In addition to supporting many of the activities funded under the Development Assistance account, ESF funds meet near- and long-term political, economic, development, and security needs. They are available to protect human rights and freedom of the press, combat human trafficking and corruption, and increase public accountability. Funding also supports transparent and accountable governance and empowers citizens.

Justification

• The ESF supports important development and economic programming in the Middle East,
  North Africa, and some countries in the Western Hemisphere.
• The ESF encourages greater private sector economic engagement, counters terrorism, and strengthens justice systems.
• ESF addresses the threats caused by climate change, improves energy sectors, and promotes human rights.
• ESF resources fund programs by several State and USAID bureaus, including the State Department Bureaus of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Counterterrorism, and Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; the Office for Global Women’s Issues; and the USAID Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation.