Commission Launched to Plan Future of U.S. Foreign Assistance
The Rockefeller Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation have launched a new commission to reimagine U.S. foreign assistance and build a more effective system.
New York – The Rockefeller Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, along with other partners, have announced the formation of the Commission on the Future of Foreign Assistance. This 10-member commission aims to develop a blueprint for a more effective, accountable, and widely supported U.S. foreign assistance system.
Co-chaired by former Governor David Beasley and former Senator Ben Cardin, the commission consists of former members of Congress and senior officials from across the political spectrum. Supported by the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution, the group will spend the next year developing recommendations for strengthening foreign aid as a pillar of U.S. foreign and national security policy.
The launch occurs following a significant reduction in U.S. foreign aid. Polling indicates that 80% of Americans favor reforming foreign aid over eliminating it. Official development assistance from the U.S. fell by 23.1% in 2025, impacting numerous vital programs.
Former Governor Beasley, drawing on his experience leading the UN World Food Programme, highlighted the need for foreign assistance to address both immediate crises and root causes. Senator Cardin emphasized the necessity of a bipartisan approach to ensure foreign aid remains a predictable and reliable tool for U.S. security and prosperity.