With aid budgets shrinking amid rising global challenges, the King Center on Global Development at Stanford University is launching The Future of Aid, a two-part event series in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. These convenings will explore how foreign assistance is evolving in an era where traditional donors are stepping back and new actors—from philanthropy to the private sector—are stepping in. Through high-level dialogue and keynote conversations, the series aims to reimagine how aid can be more innovative, inclusive, and impactful.

On September 30, Rachel Glennerster of the Center for Global Development will present her call for “radical simplification” in aid delivery. In a time of tighter budgets, she argues that donors must focus on a small set of cost-effective, scalable interventions and reform how programs are reviewed and staffed—ensuring resources are used efficiently and transparently. A central challenge is making sure that programs, policies, or interventions are rigorously tested and proven effective before being scaled to larger populations.

Norma Altshuler of Open Philanthropy will share insights into how different actors can contribute to making scarce resources go further, including by supporting low- and middle-income country governments priorities in the face of aid cuts. She will also map out ways the field may be able to attract new resources from governments and philanthropists.