Additional Context: The Spatial Informatics Group—Natural Assets Laboratory, or SIG-NAL, manages the SERVIR Global Network. Previously, the SERVIR project was managed and funded by USAID and NASA. The alliance is composed of experts, institutions, and communities using geospatial technology and Earth observation to provide practical solutions for environmental and development challenges. Although the U.S. grants and agreements that helped establish and fund the network have ended, regional partners remain engaged. The network has since established a new governance structure as it rebuilds core capabilities, while emphasizing locally-led approaches.

This quote is attributed to Pete Epanchin, global partnerships director for SERVIR. In conversation with The Aid Report, he noted that although the scale of philanthropic funding does not match the depth of former U.S. government support, it has allowed the organization to rethink its service provision and gain greater independence in local-level decision-making, paving a way to financial sustainability that reduces dependence on single donors.

Devex Researcher Note: According to a list of terminated grants from March 2025, the combined total estimated cost of canceled SERVIR awards across their fully planned lifecycle was $73.3 million. Around $26.2 million remained unobligated at the time of grant terminations.

Source: SIG-NAL/SERVIR