As the U.S. Government’s primary development agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) works in more than 100 developing countries to advance broad-based economic growth, democracy and human progress.

Since its inception 1961, USAID has helped lift millions from poverty and put countries on a path to sustainable economic growth in partnership with local governments and civil societies, private voluntary organizations, universities, businesses, international agencies, governments and interagency partners.

The Agency carries out U.S. foreign policy by promoting broad-scale human progress at the same time it expands stable, free societies, creates markets and trade partners for the United States, and fosters good will abroad.

USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. It is headed by an administrator and deputy administrator, both appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.