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GOAL Charity to Cut 30% of Staff Due to Global Aid Cuts
Major Funding Loss Forces Layoffs
Irish humanitarian charity GOAL is set to reduce approximately 30% of its 3,250 staff across 14 countries. The decision follows significant funding cuts from major donors, particularly the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provided €103 million ($112 million) in 2023—accounting for half of the charity’s income.
USAID Shutdown and Global Impact
The Trump administration recently announced plans to eliminate over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and shut down the agency. This decision has led to widespread disruptions in global humanitarian efforts, with many aid organizations being forced to lay off staff and suspend vital programs.
Rising Humanitarian Crisis
GOAL CEO Siobhan Walsh warned of the severe consequences, stating that millions of lives are at risk due to these abrupt funding cuts. In Ethiopia, the organization has already reported child fatalities in feeding programs caused by supply interruptions. Stabilization centers have run out of therapeutic milk, further endangering thousands of children.
Wider Aid Sector Disruptions
Beyond GOAL, other major aid groups, such as Catholic Relief Services, have also been affected. Studies estimate that the cessation of these programs could result in an additional 369,000 child deaths annually due to severe malnutrition.
Continued Support from Ireland
Despite the challenges, GOAL expressed gratitude to the Irish government for its ongoing humanitarian funding, which remains a critical lifeline as global aid resources shrink.
“GOAL Charity to Cut 30% of Staff Due to Global Aid Cuts”