Data for Collective Action

Accountability Lab collects data that informs and collectively influences the future state of global development. Through a mixture of surveys and focus groups, we have focused on cuts in global bilateral and multilateral aid through our Global Aid Flows Tracker. It’s intended as a resource for the sector as well as a vehicle to build community and support. 

Impacts of global aid cuts

We have been working since early 2025 on a series of global surveys measuring the impact on organizations across the world affected by multilateral and bilateral aid cuts. Over 3 rounds of surveys, we’ve observed critical changes in the contraction of organizational budgets, offices closing and staff furloughs.

Over the first two surveys, the estimation of financial impact was consistent, with many respondents reporting 60% to 100% of their budgets being affected. The third survey paints a slightly better picture although this may be because some organizations have already closed.

More than 60% of respondents had not found alternate revenue sources by the third survey. In addition, more than 60% had furloughed staff. The graphs below provide additional information.

Who we are

Accountability Lab is proud to lead the Global Aid Flows Tracker with partners including Humentum and Global Voices. It’s an effort to support the governance and human rights ecosystem by tracking the human and societal impact of aid flow changes. These disruptions have created deep uncertainty; interrupting operations, financial sustainability, and long-term planning.