Dear Partners of the Americas Members, Friends, and Supporters,

I am writing to you on a difficult day for Partners of the Americas (Partners) and many of our peer organizations. Like others in the international development community, we have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to lay off some of our incredibly talented and dedicated colleagues due to the recent disruptions in foreign assistance funding. These individuals are not just staff—they are an important part of the heart and soul of our mission, and their contributions have touched countless lives across the Americas. It is a sad day for all of us, and we are committed to rebuilding and emerging stronger from this challenge. 

The stop-work orders issued by the Trump administration, part of a broader review of foreign assistance programs, have placed many of our ongoing initiatives on hold. We recognize the administration’s desire to ensure that U.S. foreign aid aligns with national priorities. Transparency and alignment with U.S. interests are principles we deeply value. 

However, we believe it is in the best interest of the United States—and indeed the world—to sustain program funding and retain the talented staff who drive these initiatives forward during the review process. Abrupt disruptions risk undermining the very stability and prosperity that U.S. foreign assistance has fostered for decades.

At Partners, we remain confident that our programs unequivocally support America’s goals of being stronger, safer, and more prosperous. For more than 60 years, Partners has embodied a proud nonpartisan tradition, advancing initiatives with robust support from both Republican and Democratic administrations. President John F. Kennedy inspired and approved our founding as part of the Alliance for Progress; President Gerald Ford served as our honorary chairman in 1975; and President Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of our people-to-people programs in securing peace and mutual understanding in the Americas.

Our focus on public-private partnerships—both in the United States and internationally—has been instrumental in advancing economic development, enhancing trade, and expanding global business opportunities. Programs like Farmer-to-Farmer, Juntos Aprendemos, and Cacao and Complementary Crops for Development (C4D) are not only transforming lives in the Americas but also directly supporting U.S. businesses and contributing to global supply chain resilience.

Our work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. We: 

• Tackle the root causes of illegal migration by fostering economic opportunity and educational access. 
• Reduce vulnerability to natural disasters that destabilize regions and contribute to illegal migration and insecurity. 
• Combat human trafficking by strengthening legal systems and providing communities with sustainable alternatives. 
• Support communities in times of crisis, delivering humanitarian assistance from the people of the United States to those most in need.

These efforts are not just about helping others—they are critical to stabilizing regions that, if left unsupported, could contribute to broader insecurity that directly affects the U.S. and, indeed, the entire hemisphere.

At this pivotal moment, we urge the Partners of the Americas community to be vocal. Engage with your communities, stakeholders, and government representatives. Share your stories, your experiences, and the profound impact of our work. Let them know how vital Partners’ mission is—not just to the communities we serve abroad, but to the national interests of the United States. Our team will be sending out more information about how you can get involved in sharing the Partners’ story and the importance of U.S. leadership in international development later this week.

While we face challenges today, I am confident in the future of Partners of the Americas. Our organization’s foundation is strong, our mission is more relevant than ever, and our community is passionate and resilient. We remain steadfast in our belief that the United States will continue to lead the world in development and humanitarian assistance, guided by the values of collaboration, democracy, and shared prosperity.

Thank you for your unwavering support, commitment, and advocacy. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, more prosperous future for the Americas and the world.

With gratitude and optimism,

John McPhail

President & CEO

Partners of the Americas