The nonprofit group Global Washington, based in Seattle, will officially cease operations on June 30, 2026, after 16 years of involvement in global development initiatives. It has supported over 160 members, including organizations and individuals, by hosting various events such as conferences and workshops.
Executive director Elizabeth Stokely highlighted that the global development sector is facing significant challenges due to substantial cuts in USAID funding and shifts in philanthropic priorities. These changes have severely impacted organizations’ capabilities to maintain operations and invest in critical networks.
With the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle USAID, many organizations are feeling the effects, including PATH, which laid off nearly 45% of its workforce last summer, and the Gates Foundation, which plans to reduce its staff by 500 in the coming years. Other notable entities involved in global health efforts in the region include the University of Washington and the Infectious Disease Research Institute.