Dan Galat/ World Gospel Missions
USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (USAID/ASHA) initiative provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence to highlight American ideas and practices, to provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people, to further U.S. Government public diplomacy, and to catalyze collaboration between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. The mission of the ASHA program is distinct from other USAID programs because of its focus on public diplomacy. ASHA works to promote a better understanding of the United States among the peoples of the world and to enhance cooperative international relations by strengthening local capacity and leadership.
The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad initiative began in 1947 and was incorporated into USAID by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Since its inception, ASHA has achieved a visible legacy by providing assistance to approximately 300 institutions globally and aiding in the development of innovative and state-of-the-art schools, libraries, and medical centers in more than 80 countries. ASHA’s record of contributing to and building connections with vibrant networks of civil society institutions has spanned across 28 U.S. Congresses and 19 presidential administrations. ASHA currently manages a worldwide portfolio of approximately 120 awards and is an invaluable complement to USAID’s wide-ranging development work.
ASHA directly contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering strong civil society institutions and excellence in higher education and innovation. The networks of educational and medical institutions ASHA supports offer opportunities to access quality education and health services in areas of the world where often few or none exist. ASHA partners have educated successive generations of global citizens and leaders, deepening their understanding of American ideas and practices. In the process, ASHA and its partners have strengthened the health and educational services provided to communities and created self-sustaining local institutions. Now that ASHA is part of the Local, Faith, & Transformative Partnerships Hub of USAID’s new Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships and Innovation (IPI), the ASHA team looks forward to collaborating with our sister initiatives to the benefit of the American people and our community partners overseas.
Mission
American Schools and Hospitals Abroad provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence to highlight American ideas and practices, to provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people, to further U.S. Government public diplomacy, and to catalyze collaborations between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries.
Vision
To provide the infrastructure, equipment, and exposure to American values and best practices necessary to sustain development results and increase local civil society capacity and leadership through ensuring partnerships in health service provision and education.
Values
- Increasing mutual understanding with peoples of other countries
- Fostering favorable views of America by providing support and building partnerships
- Promoting social advancement through adoption of American technology and systems
- Training future leaders in a wide variety of disciplines and democratic principles
- Cultivating cadres of non-US citizens abroad with shared experiences
- Developing capacity through dissemination of innovation
ASHA manages the Limited Excess Property Program (LEPP), which provides federal surplus property on behalf of the American people to communities in developing nations. Learn more about the LEPP program, partnerships, and opportunities.
Who We Work With
U.S. Organizations
Direct awards are made to U.S. Organizations (USOs) who have partnered with overseas institutions that are impacting local, regional, or global health and education systems. The USO must be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, headquartered in the United States, and partnered with an overseas institution for which assistance is sought.
Overseas Institutions
The Overseas Institutions (OSIs) must be universities, secondary schools, libraries, medical centers, or centers of excellence that conduct education research outside of the United States. The OSIs must also provide the benefits of American ideas and practices, foster favorable relations with the United States, and be free from control or management of a foreign government.
Where We Work
USAID/ASHA Partners Meeting
USAID
News and Updates
The Annual Reports provide an overview of USAID/ASHA assistance in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
1957-2017 USAID/ASHA 60th Anniversary Report
ASHA Newsletter
This newsletter provides USAID/ASHA updates and spotlights our partners' accomplishments. To receive announcements and updates from USAID/ASHA, Subscribe to our newsletter by emailing a request to partnerwithasha@usaid.gov.
How to Apply for a ASHA Grant
Click here for a two-pager overview of how to apply for an ASHA award.
Grants.gov: For additional information on ASHA’s annual solicitation cycle
ASHA Resources
ASHA General Fact Sheet (Jan 2024)
ASHA Acronyms Definitions List: A complete list of ASHA’s acronyms
Connect with Us
For general inquiries or assistance, please email: partnerwithasha@usaid.gov.
