As a result of USAID cuts, independent Guatemalan news outlet Quórum did not receive $20,000 in promised funding to implement a participatory journalism program. The funds would have allowed Quórum to pay staff benefits, rent a recording studio, and share information on climate change and the environment.
Date: 7/25
Region: Latin America & Caribbean
Country: Guatemala
Topic: Governance & Rights, Climate & Environment
Policy Lens: Security & Resilience
Additional Context: Quórum is an independent digital media outlet based in Guatemala. It aims to make journalism accessible to individuals who don’t typically consume news as well as to involve communities in the reporting process. As a result of the cuts to USAID, Quórum paused staff enrollment in social security and laid off two individuals, as well as cancelled the lease on a recording studio rental. This results in less independent reporting on climate justice in a restricted media environment.
In July 2025, Oxfam released a collection of stories on the impact of aid budget cuts entitled "Courage in Crisis." See the full report here.
Source: Oxfam