Freeze on foreign aid causes furloughs for Durham nonprofit

President Donald Trump's freeze on foreign aid is putting thousands of jobs at risk across the country and in the Triangle.

Starting Friday, FHI 360, a Durham-based nonprofit that advances equity, health and well-being across 60 countries - furloughed 36% of its U.S. staff.

A spokesperson for the nonprofit said they temporarily laid off more than 200 employees because of the "pause of U.S. foreign assistance funding and programs"

According to congressional research, FHI 360'sfunding last year came mostly from the government. 

The Research Triangle Institute is also affected by the freeze. The nonprofit is a top recipient of USAID money, getting more than $2 billion between 2013 and 2022. 

“We’re working to understand the potential impacts and will get back in touch if we have updates to share," a spokesperson told WRAL Friday.