Press Release: Minnesota’s Development Community Devastated By Federal Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINNEAPOLIS, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – The Minnesota International NGO Network, a nonprofit organization supporting Minnesota’s vast community of nearly 100 international development organizations, is devastated by the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and its freeze on nearly all federal foreign aid spending. As a result, Minnesota’s vibrant and dedicated international development community is enduring severe consequences and many organizations face an existential crisis. Despite costing less than 1% of the federal budget, America’s foreign development funding provides lifesaving food and medical aid, stabilizes at-risk populations, and promotes the goodwill of the United States abroad. Not only do these policies jeopardize the lives of millions of people around the world, they directly impact the livelihoods of thousands within Minnesota.

In Minnesota, organizations such as the Center for Victims of Torture, which provides essential support and counseling for people impacted by war and gender-based violence, has been forced to cut staff by nearly three-quarters. Books for Africa, which is the largest exporter of books to the African continent, is facing a significant funding freeze. Most of these organizations also depend upon the local support of Minnesota donors. Federal changes halting their operations is a direct offense to all Minnesotans who give their time, talents, and charitable contributions to support this noble work.

MINN urges our local, state, and federal elected officials to pressure Congress and the Trump administration to release these funds already appropriated by Congress, reinstate the over 13,000 USAID personnel placed on leave, and fully fund the federal foreign affairs budget that keeps America safe, strong, and prosperous. Local INGOs are encouraged to stay connected to MINN for support and community during this extremely difficult time.

About Minnesota International NGO Network
MINN (minnesotangos.org) was founded in 2005 and serves to connect all international humanitarian and development practitioners and supporters based in Minnesota through education, networking, and information resources. MINN is a forum to connect with colleagues and stay aware of what other NGOs based in Minnesota are doing around the world.

Contact More Information:

Nicholas Hayen, Past MINN President

Nicholas.hayen@gmail.com