The Advisory Committee On Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA) was established by Presidential directive after World War II to serve as a link between the U.S. Government and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) active in humanitarian assistance and development work overseas.

Comprised of up to 30 private citizens with extensive knowledge of international development, ACVFA helps provide the underpinning for cooperation between the public and private sectors in U.S. foreign assistance programs.

As stated in its charter, the committee's role is to:

• Consult with, provide information to, and advise the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. Government agencies on development issues relating to foreign assistance in which the U.S. Government and PVOs interact;
• Provide information and counsel to the PVO community on issues of concern regarding their relations with USAID and other U.S. Government agencies; and
• Foster public interest in the field of voluntary foreign aid and in PVO activities.

ACVFA meetings are held two times a year and provide opportunities for information exchange and consultation between USAID and other governmental agencies and the nongovernmental community.

The Committee brings together USAID and PVO officials, representatives from universities, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), U.S. businesses, and government, multilateral, and private organizations to foster understanding, communication, and cooperation.

The meetings focus on timely topics selected from a wide range of issues and challenges that affect the relationship between the official foreign assistance program and the private voluntary community and the impact of their work. Following these deliberations, ACVFA provides specific recommendations to the USAID administrator.

If you have any questions about ACVFA, please contact us.