The new Global Humanitarian Assistance report (ALNAP, June 2026) has a sobering update on "localization," the push to get more aid money directly into the hands of local and national organizations who know their communities best.

-> Exactly a decade ago, the humanitarian sector promised that 25% of global funding would go directly (or indirectly) to local and national actors. That target has never been met, and now it's sliding backward.

Here's what changed in just one year:

-> Direct and indirect funding to local and national organizations dropped from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $2.5 billion in 2025

-> That's just 8.7% of total humanitarian funding, far short of the 25% goal

-> Early 2026 data is even more alarming: only 7% of UN pooled funds have gone to national NGOs so far this year, compared to 46% in 2025

-> Part of the shift comes from changes in how the US channels its aid. After USAID's shutdown, the US has redirected billions toward UN-managed pooled funds, but with a strong preference for large UN agencies over local partners. Other donors still lean more toward local organizations, longer-term grants, and sectors like protection and health, but their overall funding has shrunk too.

-> The report's conclusion: with money tight, the humanitarian system has shifted into survival mode, and hard-won progress on getting resources to local responders is quietly unraveling.

Full report: https://alnap.org/help-library/resources/global-humanitarian-assistance-gha-report-2026/