Official Development Assistance Budget Cuts

As the Hague’s vibrant ecosystem of international NGOs and civil society organizations grapples with severe budget cuts to Official Development Assistance (ODA), the consequences are both immediate and deeply worrying. A recent internal report, compiled through interviews and surveys within the sector, paints a picture of a field in distress, one where organizations are being forced to downsize, lay off staff, or even consider closure.

Prior to the cuts, The Hague stood as a stable hub of international cooperation, with Dutch public funding forming the backbone of many NGOs' operational budgets. Now, that foundation is crumbling. According to early data, one in four organizations expects to lose up to 50% of their funding, forcing similar reductions in staffing. Larger organizations are proving particularly vulnerable due to their dependence on substantial subsidies.

The impact goes beyond finances. Policy shifts have resulted in the exclusion of affected communities from critical decision-making spaces. The growing risk aversion across the sector is palpable, and many organizations are being pushed to prioritize survival over innovation. For those committed to intersectional gender justice, this translates into fewer resources, weaker representation, and increased difficulty in sustaining advocacy work.

Despite the challenges, the civil society sector remains committed to its principles. Organizations are seeking new strategies; turning to crowdfunding, public engagement, and homegrown resilience as they try to weather this storm without compromising their values.