Any freeze on foreign aid is affecting thousands of people, making it harder for our friends in international development to continue their life-saving work. In 2025, the uncertainty across the sector is overwhelming due to the USAID changes. That’s why we at FLUSH have compiled a list of resources to help you navigate recent changes, find your needed answers, and move forward. We hope the opportunities in this blog provide even a small bit of support during this difficult time.
How do I handle uncertainty in international development?
Explore the resources below to understand the current situation better and prepare for what’s next.
Read this research paper in the BMJ Global Health journal to understand the historical forces that have shaped WASH over the past seven decades and gain insights into how the sector can prepare for a shifting donor landscape.
Ensure your organization is ready to communicate in the new political reality and media landscape - this blog by WaterHub on water communications is a great starting point.
Visit this LSE blog for an interesting perspective on the future of international development and see why aid independence and advocacy-driven development are key areas the WASH sector can focus on to respond to the dismantling of USAID. A similar post on LinkedIn discussing if this could be a way to change international development for the better may also be interesting to read.
Take care of your mental health and support those around you. Check out some tips from Liz and Mollie on what to do when you or your team feel overwhelmed, anxious, or helpless.
How do I find a new job?
Given how many of our talented friends and colleagues have lost their jobs - and how many others are grappling with job insecurity - finding new employment opportunities has become a priority. Use the resources below to help with your search.
Watch Devex’s free recorded career emergency webinar with sector leaders to plan your next steps. They continue to host similar events and provide other job search resources, too, so keep an eye on their social media.
Make a plan for moving forward with the help of Extra-M Coaching and Consulting and their community support and coaching for change-makers facing setbacks.
Explore careers beyond international development with the help of a recorded webinar by the Society for International Development - United States.
Look at the free USAID to Corporate: Roadmap toolkit if you’re considering transitioning from international development to the private sector. Note: For professionals with a WASH background, we recommend exploring opportunities in climate change, agriculture, land use, and energy to broaden your options. Of course, that's just a starting point.
Participate in free online courses to stand out to recruiters. Some recognized course providers include Google (on AI & digital), MIT (on energy, business & climate), UNEP (on environment & sustainability), and FAO (on agriculture & food).
Join a special pro bono plan by The Bloom to access their social impact careers community with connection opportunities, member groups, events, fellowships, jobs, funding listings, and more.
Sign up for PCDN.Global’s free Impact Career Chats, where they share tips and resources for your impact job search. They also offer two free newsletters with open opportunities: PCDN Weekly Impact and AI for Impact.
Share your expertise as a speaker while adapting to changes in the workplace. Women and Climate offers a speaking opportunities database that you can consult.
Subscribe to a career pivot newsletter from Wayan Vota (it has free and paid plans), featuring international development job search tips and resources.
Follow donor agencies' websites and social media, often hiring development professionals. This list by Md. Abul Khayer Shajib is a great place to start.
Visit this list of over 250 resources for international development professionals compiled by HiringCoach.ai, which includes job boards, recruiting firms, online communities, career coaching, mental health support, and more.
Check out Nick Martin’s curated list of offers to support those affected by the USAID changes, and subscribe to his free weekly newsletter with impact jobs, funding opportunities, and events.
What do I do after losing funding for my project(s)?
Many of our partner WASH organizations lost funding sources recently. However, several companies and individuals have stepped up to offer their support. See some of them below.
Explore the USAID Resource Hub crafted by Alexandra Shannon, Pallavi Bharadwaj, and Briar Goldwyn. This comprehensive collection includes funding offers, coaching and networking opportunities, materials for nonprofits, advocacy strategies, and more.
Hop on a free 30-minute one-on-one call with our Founder to discuss alternative opportunities for WASH professionals affected by USAID's dismantling and discuss ways to improve communication strategies for funding applications.
Keep track of the updates in the daily screened list of global funding opportunities by Athena Infonomics - it will remain public and open for everyone until May 2025.
Follow the 10 strategies for attracting impact investments as an alternative to USAID funding, shared by fundsforNGOs.
Check out alternative funding options, networking opportunities, and other resources for individuals and organizations navigating the US Government Stop Work Order in this list compiled by Tracy J.
Use FLUSH’s free resources on WASH communications, covering storytelling, trust-building, social media, and more, to strengthen your funding applications and maintain transparency with your community during these difficult times.
Consider applying for Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs Grant and Loan funding - they recently announced they remain fully operational and continue to accept applications on a rolling basis.
What can I do to help others?
It’s a tough time – people are struggling, and it may feel like the sector is in hot water. But when we see all those who have stepped up to offer their support, we can’t help but feel inspired by the collective effort. You can make a difference, too – here are a few small steps you can take to help.
For exmple, spread the word about what USAID does and why the consequences of foreign aid cuts are likely devastating. You can start by sharing articles like this one from Oxfam America.
Sign the petition to Stop the USAID Stop Work Order and contact your representatives to advocate for congressional action.
Add WASH-related resources from the taken-down websites to this portal made by WASH AI to preserve knowledge.
Finally, share the resources in this blog with those who might need them. And let us know if you have any other opportunities we can add to this list!
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