U.S. global humanitarian and development assistance is less than 1% of the federal budget – just one penny of every tax dollar – and more than pays for itself with the safety and stability it brings to the world. Strategic investments in this vital funding are in America’s best interest to protect as it promotes long-term global stability, expands economic opportunities, and builds communities’ self reliance, thereby reducing the need for more aid in the future. Furthermore, programs funded with U.S. aid save millions of lives every year. U.S. leaders must protect international assistance at all costs for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous world abroad and at home.
In nearly every country, women are denied economic opportunities, property rights, education, resources, and leadership roles. CARE knows that supporting the needs and potential of women and girls can lead to stronger economic growth, better governance, and greater food security for entire communities. That’s why we work to ensure women and girls have the tools and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and those around them. CARE advocates for robust U.S. funding to support women’s leadership and economic opportunities and works to pass legislation that ensures their safety in humanitarian emergencies.
The world continues to witness an unprecedented rise in the scale and number of humanitarian crises unfolding around the globe. CARE is currently responding to emergencies in the toughest of conditions worldwide with a focus on the needs of women and children. At the same time, international assistance is not keeping pace with the need. In 2024, less than half of the required funding to respond to humanitarian crises was provided by the global community. CARE advocates for the U.S. to be a global leader in humanitarian response by supporting robust and needs-based humanitarian assistance that promotes communities’ self-reliance to respond to shocks and stressors on their own.
In a world where more than 735 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition, CARE recognizes the importance of empowering those most impacted to feed more people around the globe in a sustainable, equitable, and flexible way. CARE focuses on long-term food and nutrition security programs to end global hunger and stunting in developing countries. Through reauthorization of critical legislation including the Farm Bill and the Global Food Security Act, the U.S. can effectively fight both immediate and long-term hunger and create a well-fed future for all.
More than 200 million women in developing countries want to plan their pregnancies but lack access to essential healthcare. Limited availability of medical information and maternal health services puts many women in life-threatening situations. CARE advocates for strong U.S. support for the United Nations Population Fund, the largest provider of reproductive health care globally. At the same time, CARE is pushing for greater investment in frontline health workers — nurses, doctors, midwives, and community health workers — who play a critical role in delivering life-saving care but are often underpaid and under-supported.