Letter to MINN Community

Dear Friends of MINN,

Minnesota’s international development community is facing an unprecedented crisis due to recent federal changes to freeze critical foreign aid funding and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These actions have severe consequences for the nearly 100 international development organizations in our MINN community, many of which are now in danger of drastically reducing operations or shutting down.

The lives of millions of vulnerable people around the world are at risk, and so too is the work of many dedicated organizations right here in Minnesota. As outlined in our press release, local organizations such as the Center for Victims of Torture and Books for Africa have already been forced to make devastating cuts, and others find themselves making equally difficult, painful decisions.

At times like these, it can be difficult to find comfort from family and friends who may not fully understand the negative impact being felt in the international development field. This is a moment for us to come together as a community. MINN was founded on the belief that our shared experience unites us and strengthens the impact we can make collectively. Contributions from MINN members empower us to foster connection, exchange ideas, and network with our local international NGOs, all of whom are working tirelessly to help those in need, even as they face this crisis.

Your participation and support as a MINN member is crucial to ensure our international development community remains connected, resilient, and united. Through educational opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for our members, MINN’s network offers critical support to our member community during this challenging period.

We urge you to contact your elected officials at all levels and ask them to push for the reinstatement of USAID funding and personnel so these critical programs can return to full operations as immediately as possible. As Minnesotans, we know the importance of supporting those who are working to make the world a better place. Now is the time to act and make our voice heard.

Lastly, if you are in a position to do so, we humbly request you consider making a contribution to one of the many MINN member organizations that has been impacted by this policy crisis.

Thank you for your continued commitment to making a difference as part of our MINN community and in your work. Together, we will persist beyond the obstacles of today and ensure that Minnesota’s international development community endures in its vital work in our world.

In Unity,

The MINN Board of Directors