Opinion: The humanitarian sector needs a tech revolution, not a bailout

The USAID funding freeze is devastating. But beyond the immediate crisis, it exposes deeper flaws in the humanitarian sector — flaws we can no longer ignore. The question is: Will we let this crisis break the system, or will we rebuild it into something more resilient and sustainable? For years, the sector has debated the need for transparency, efficiency, and localization. Yet, despite reports, summits, and calls to action, real change has been elusive. Consistent funding allowed organizations to function without critically rethinking their models, often settling for small-scale pilots with little chance of widespread adoption. With that safety net gone, there's an opportunity to turn pilots into the new standard. Some organizations will scale down, some will close. But others — out of necessity — will reimagine humanitarian work, with technology at the center of this transformation. Across the sector, we're seeing increasing initiatives to match affected NGOs with tech partners providing digital solutions — whether for fundraising, program efficiency, or direct aid delivery. These collaborations represent a promising shift, but they're only the beginning. In the nonprofit I lead, Tech To The Rescue, we have launched an initiative to match affected NGOs with tech partners providing free digital solutions — whether for fundraising, program efficiency, or direct aid delivery. Turning crisis into tech-powered action The humanitarian sector must be more open to innovation. Established funding models, hierarchical decision-making, and bureaucratic processes often make it difficult for new solutions to gain traction. In my experience, even forward-thinking traditional INGOs like the International Rescue Committee and ACAPS face systemic challenges despite their innovation and commitment — funding instability, rigid structures, and difficulty scaling solutions. Over the past five years, we've worked with local aid responders in Ukraine, Central Europe, Turkey, Syria, and, more recently, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. These organizations aren’t traditional humanitarian players but educators, civic leaders, and community organizers who step up when crises hit. Their strength lies in fresh perspectives and deep local knowledge — qualities that make them highly effective, yet often overlooked. We’ve seen firsthand the hurdles innovators face, so we’ve chosen to focus on empowering agile, mission-driven organizations that can drive change from the ground up. Several organizations across the sector illustrate this potential: Shaqodoon Organization (Somalia) evolved from an SMS-based job-matching platform into a crucial tech hub for disaster response. Their AI-enhanced early warning system processes real-time weather data, delivering lifesaving alerts through toll-free voice messages. ACAPS' in-house-developed platform Sophia is being enhanced with AI capabilities with Alio IT Solutions to process multilingual crisis data in real-time, enabling faster, better-informed decisions. Mercy Corps’ AI Methods Matcher, or AIMM, developed with Cloudera, allows humanitarian teams to apply AI for crisis prediction and resource distribution without deep technical expertise. The World Institute on Disability, or WID, supported by Omdena, is building an AI-powered emergency operations center, reducing aid delivery times from months to days and empowering disability-led organizations. There is no shortage of bold, solution-driven individuals ready to contribute, but existing structures don’t always empower them. Decentralizing decision-making will make humanitarian efforts more agile, responsive, and sustainable. Three key shifts must happen now 1. Moving beyond government-funding dependence. The freeze proves that relying on one major donor — especially a political one — is unsustainable. Organizations must diversify their funding through digital fundraising, corporate partnerships, and social enterprises. Many NGOs are already testing new revenue-generating models to reduce their exposure to unstable public funding. 2. Leveraging technology for transparency, scalability, and localization. Technology is not just a stopgap measure; it is the foundation for a scalable, efficient, and transparent humanitarian response. AI-powered impact measurement tools provide real-time insights. Cloud-based collaboration tools improve efficiency. Digital fundraising platforms help diversify revenue streams. 3. Decentralization of the humanitarian sector. For the sector to evolve, it must become more open, accessible, and decentralized. Humanitarian principles are crucial but can also reinforce the status quo, preventing risk-taking and innovation. A more balanced approach can ensure the sector remains principled while also being adaptable. A key step in this transformation is greater inclusivity and transparency. Complex jargon and bureaucratic barriers often exclude frontline responders and grassroots organizations. By simplifying communication and opening collaboration, the sector can welcome fresh perspectives that strengthen humanitarian efforts. The private sector must step up Recent disasters, from extreme floods in Spain to escalating climate-related crises, highlight an undeniable reality: The humanitarian sector is not keeping up. Natural disasters are occurring four times more frequently than in 1970, yet the traditional aid model struggles to respond effectively. This is where tech companies are essential — not just as donors, but as partners. Through our AI for Changemakers program, supported by Google.org, we've seen firsthand how AI and digital tools can transform aid delivery. This model of collaboration can scale. Pro bono technology support, logistics optimization, and business expertise can help NGOs bridge funding gaps. Companies in our network have already provided months of tech talent to NGOs free of charge. And every company can contribute — including SMEs that have been overlooked for too long. This isn’t charity; it’s shared responsibility. The humanitarian shift is happening — will you lead or follow? Technology isn’t just a tool — it’s the catalyst for a new model of aid delivery. Not just through AI models and interfaces, but through an open-source culture that could redefine global aid operations. If you’re a business leader, now is the time to commit your skills, resources, and expertise. If you’re an NGO, there are new pathways to explore. The time to act is now. The future of humanitarian aid depends on bold decisions today — let’s not waste this moment. Update, April 29, 2025: This article has been updated to reflect that the AI for Changemakers program is supported by Google.org.