The Power of Collaboration at a Time of Volatility in Global Health and Development

This 2025 Bridgespan report explores how the global health and development sector is being reshaped by unprecedented volatility—marked by sharp declines in foreign aid and the dismantling of major funding institutions like USAID. As communities confront service gaps, program closures, and rising mortality, the report makes a compelling case for philanthropic collaboratives as critical vehicles for resilience and transformation. Drawing on interviews, surveys, case studies, and field insights, it shows how collaboratives are uniquely positioned to mobilize resources quickly, channel flexible funding to frontline organizations, strengthen local leadership, and foster cross-sector partnerships. At a moment when traditional aid structures are faltering, the report highlights collaboration—not as an optional approach, but as an essential strategy to sustain impact, shift power to proximate leaders, and rebuild development systems to be more just, locally rooted, and resilient. It’s a powerful call to funders to act boldly and collectively rather than wait for “the dust to settle”.