October 12, 2021 (WASHINGTON) – This statement is delivered on behalf of the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) by Co-Chairs Lester Munson, Larry Nowels, and Tessie San Martin.
The Modernized Foreign Assistance Network is pleased to announce that after a period of review during the first half of 2021 in which we examined the role and impact of our prior advocacy for U.S. foreign aid effectiveness, the focus of our effectiveness priorities, and our organization’s funding structure, we have relaunched as a new and revitalized, member-driven organization.
In setting its priorities moving forward, MFAN seeks to modernize U.S. development cooperation to build more resilient societies, counter outdated and authoritarian approaches to development, and create more equitable distribution of power within the sector. To do so, MFAN will:
1. Advocate for the continued elevation of development as a distinct pole of American global engagement; and
2. Advocate for a new model of development by giving greater voice, resources, and power over decision-making to local actors and an increased focus on accountability.
“We are extremely pleased that our prior members have recognized the high value of the MFAN brand in advocating for effectiveness principles. During our re-envisioning initiative, we appreciated the vision they presented about the future of MFAN and the value of MFAN’s independent voice regarding U.S. foreign assistance and its impact across the globe. Their leadership throughout our reorganization process cannot be overstated,” said, Lester Munson, MFAN Co-Chair and Principal at BGR Group.
“It is our pleasure to welcome six new member organizations to MFAN whose commitment to effective foreign assistance will strengthen our voice and add significant expertise to an already deep bench of international development and foreign policy practitioners, policy advocates, and experts. These new members include ACDI/VOCA, Friends of Publish What Your Fund, Global Communities, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), One Acre Fund, and RTI International,” announced Larry Nowels, MFAN Co-Chair.
“MFAN’s reform pillars of accountability and local ownership will remain front and center for our organization, as we believe they remain vital elements to delivering U.S. foreign assistance that yields sustainable results and is fit to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, including the reality of protracted emergencies, growing global health security needs, and a more engaged China in the development space. We look forward to engaging with Congress and the Administration with the goal of advancing economic growth and reducing poverty across the globe,” concluded Tessie San Martin, MFAN Co-Chair and CEO of FHI 360.
In its new form as a member-financed organization, MFAN is recruiting a new Senior Director for Government Relations and Communications Advocacy. The application can be found here.
At its recent inaugural meeting, MFAN’s Steering Committee appointed Lori Groves Rowley, a member of the Steering Committee and Co-Chair of MFAN’s Working Group, to serve as the organization’s Interim Director until the hiring process for the new Senior Director has been completed.
