Samaritan’s Purse, the renowned Evangelical humanitarian organization, recently celebrated a significant financial boost with a $19 million reimbursement from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This funding comes after a tumultuous period when aid disbursements were halted during the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term.
In a statement, Samaritan’s Purse confirmed the receipt of these funds, which followed a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court directing the Trump administration to unfreeze $2 billion in foreign aid payments for work that had already been completed. This ruling was a relief for many organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, which has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts since 1994, particularly in response to crises like the genocide in Rwanda.
The recent funds are earmarked for services already provided in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan, where the organization has been delivering much-needed food and medical care. The reimbursement had been on hold since January, causing concern about the continuity of vital aid in these regions.
Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse and son of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham, expressed optimism about continuing collaboration with USAID. "If the U.S. State Department continues to provide funds for emergency food and medicine, we will consider working with them on a case-by-case basis, as we have done for more than 30 years," he stated. Graham emphasized that this funding agreement does not alter the ongoing work of Samaritan’s Purse, which operates independently of government support.
The backdrop to this funding saga includes significant cuts to USAID by the Trump administration, which sought to reduce perceived wasteful spending. Critics of these cuts, including various Christian nonprofits, argue that such reductions have endangered life-saving programs for vulnerable communities worldwide. Reports indicate that up to 92% of USAID and State Department foreign assistance-related grants and contracts were eliminated, raising alarms about the potential consequences for those in dire need.
In a recent Supreme Court ruling, the justices denied the Trump administration’s request to freeze the $2 billion in USAID reimbursements, a decision that has been viewed as a victory for humanitarian organizations reliant on these funds. Graham noted that while Samaritan’s Purse does not heavily depend on government funding—less than 5% of its budget in 2024 is sourced from government grants—the organization encourages the State Department to continue its provision of essential aid.
"I think it’s beneficial for the government to reassess the various programs it funds globally," Graham remarked. "We trust that new leadership will make informed decisions based on comprehensive evaluations." He reiterated that regardless of governmental funding, Samaritan’s Purse remains committed to assisting those in need, a mission that has defined the organization for decades.
As the landscape of international aid continues to evolve, the role of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse becomes increasingly vital. Their commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, regardless of the political climate, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of faith-based initiatives in addressing global challenges. For more information on their ongoing work and how you can support their mission, visit the official Samaritan’s Purse website.