Global Development Alliances

Global Development Alliances (GDAs) are USAID’s premiere model for public-private partnerships, helping to improve the social and economic conditions in developing countries and deepen USAID’s development impact.  A global leader in building public-private partnerships for development; USAID, since 2001, has formed more than 1,600 alliances with over 3,000 distinct partners leveraging nearly $19 billion in combined public and private resources. Across nearly every industry and sector, USAID is working in partnership with both global and local private sector organizations to increase our reach and effectiveness.

How the GDA Model Works

Alliance Opportunity

GDAs combine the assets and experiences of the private sector – corporations, foundations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), universities, local businesses and Diaspora groups – leveraging their capital and investments, creativity and access to markets to solve complex problems facing governments, businesses, and communities.

More than just philanthropy or corporate social responsibility, GDAs leverage market-based solutions to advance broader development objectives. When successful, the resulting alliances are both sustainable and have greater impact.GDAs are co-designed, co-funded, and co-managed by all partners involved, so that the risks, responsibilities, and rewards of partnership are shared. They work best and have the greatest development impact when private sector business interests intersect with USAID’s strategic development objectives.

A partnership is considered a GDA when it meets the following criteria:

  • At least 1:1 leverage (cash and in-kind) of USAID resources;
  • Common goals defined for all partners;
  • Jointly-defined solution to a social or economic development problem;
  • Non-traditional resource partners (companies, foundations, etc.);
  • Shared resources, risks and results; and
  • Innovative, sustainable approaches to development.

Examples

To learn more about GDAs, visit our Alliances in Action.

Additional Information

Contact Us

For more information or if you have questions, contact us at globalpartnerships@usaid.gov

Last updated: February 28, 2013

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