March 5, 2026 (WASHINGTON) – Today, the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) announced the expansion of its coalition with the addition of three new members: IREX, Pact, and Partners in Health. These partnerships build on MFAN’s growth throughout 2025 and further strengthen its diverse, cross-sector network committed to advancing policies that strengthen effectiveness, increase accountability, and catalyze development impacts and innovations.
Over recent years, MFAN has expanded its coalition to reflect the breadth of the development and foreign policy community. The addition of these three highly respected institutions marks an important milestone as MFAN sees growing momentum and bipartisan interest in modernizing U.S. foreign assistance to better address today’s complex global challenges and opportunities.
At a time of unprecedented uncertainty for U.S. international development and humanitarian assistance, as well as lean budgets for non-profits due to U.S. Government cuts, these new members joining MFAN demonstrates that the interest in reform is accelerating, and MFAN’s policy priorities are gaining traction across the policy landscape.
IREX empowers people to build stronger, more resilient communities worldwide, developing leaders who bridge divides, preparing learners to succeed in the world of work, and helping people thrive in a technology- and AI-driven world. IREX solves problems through partnership, bringing together governments, businesses, civic institutions, and communities, delivering transformative impact in complex environments for over 50 years.
"I'm thrilled to join MFAN at such a critical moment for America's engagement in the world. At IREX, we've seen firsthand that transformative impact requires new approaches – moving beyond traditional models to build genuine partnerships that empower communities, develop leaders who bridge divides, and prepare people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The network's commitment to innovation and effectiveness aligns perfectly with our vision, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow members to modernize how we deliver impact in complex environments." – Aleksander Dardeli, President & CEO, IREX
Pact is a global nonprofit that delivers community-owned solutions for lasting development. A recognized leader in the development sector, Pact's work spans health, governance, environment, livelihoods, clean energy, and responsible mining. For more than 50 years and across more than 60 countries, Pact has strengthened local systems and capacity so that communities can chart their own paths and thrive.
“Pact is pleased to join MFAN in promoting more effective and accountable U.S. foreign assistance. As an organization, we have long worked to advance locally led development and accountability – MFAN's two guiding principles – ensuring we can unlock the greatest impact for people who need it most. We look forward to working together to advance policies and reforms that ensure durable, locally led solutions and greater results for communities around the world.” – Dennis Vega, Pact’s President & CEO
Partners In Health (PIH) is a non-profit global health organization founded in 1987 that works to provide high quality care to those who need it most and to strengthen local health systems in partnership with national governments and local institutions. PIH’s approach emphasizes social justice, equity, long-term partnership, and comprehensive care to improve health outcomes and address structural barriers to health. As of today, PIH runs programs across four continents, where it provides direct care to millions of patients, through public facilities and community engagement.
“PIH provides a preferential option to the poor while building health systems that will serve generations to come. A key aspect of this work is pushing for structural, political, and policy reforms that ensure equity in global health financing and decision-making. We are so excited to collaborate with MFAN members to advocate for those who have been impoverished and marginalized.” – Angela C. Letizia, Managing Director, Advocacy and Influencing, Partners In Health
“MFAN is thrilled to welcome IREX, Pact, and Partners in Health to our coalition,” said Tod Preston, MFAN’s Executive Director. “These organizations bring great credibility, practical experience, and thought leadership to our work at a pivotal moment for U.S. international assistance. Their decision to join MFAN underscores the importance and impact of our work, strengthening our advocacy to sustain results and advance modernization and reform.”
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About MFAN
The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) is a bipartisan coalition of international development practitioners, policy advocates, and experts committed to making U.S. foreign assistance more effective, accountable, and results-driven.
For media inquiries, please contact Madeleine Granda, MFAN Policy and Government Affairs Manager, at Madeleine.Granda@modernizeaid.net
