At Trees, Water & People (TWP), we’re fortunate to have minimal exposure to current federal cuts, and to be well-positioned to sustain programs. Make no mistake, these will be trying times for the places we work and the people we serve, but TWP stands prepared to continue and expand our efforts.

Our Mesoamerica Program is watching the effect of the USAID cuts and deportations on Central America and Mexico. USAID’s grants sustain an ecosystem of local organizations which deliver programs that improve well-being and provide stability for those in poverty. 

Secondary effects will include noticeable unemployment as many USAID-funded organizations close their doors, increased social needs due to cessation of critical programs, and a strained civil society due to the re-entry of hundreds of thousands of deportees. 

Unemployment and vulnerability are already high in the countries USAID serves. Dismantling civil society will increase need, suffering and instability in these economies, across the board. 

The good news is that there are hundreds of talented grassroots organizations not directly hit by the cuts who are ready to shoulder the load.

Philanthropy needs to be there to help them, in everybody’s best interest. This is a moment for our sector to assess, not only how we fill the funding gaps, but how we build resilient local organizations in their place. 

More than ever, investments in climate resilience, sustainable economic development, and grassroots organizations are critical. TWP is well-positioned to lead through these times, but we can’t do it alone. 

It’s time to get to work.