AVSI Relaunches Proven Poverty Graduation Program in Uganda with $1.5 Million Donor Investment

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cost-effective, high-impact projects that enable extremely poor households to escape poverty funded by USAID were terminated earlier this year; one is able to restart thanks to the coordinated efforts of researchers, philanthropists, and NGO implementers. 

After the abrupt termination of USAID-funded programs—including AVSI's Graduating to Resilience Scale in Uganda—the evidence of success and cost-effectiveness might have been lost. Project Resource Optimization (PRO) reviewed the data, recognized the value, and recommended the program through external channels. This advocacy led to a $1.5 million donor investment, enabling AVSI to relaunch the initiative. 

On September 1, 2025, AVSI launched Graduating to Resilience LOCAL, targeting 1,000 households—10% of the original program size—with an 18-month, comprehensive Graduation Approach. Participants receive consumption support, livelihoods training, financial inclusion, coaching, and social empowerment, equipping them to escape food insecurity and move toward self-reliance. 

A former head of the USAID Mission to Uganda described AVSI's Graduating to Resilience program as "a cost-effective tool to change the historical trend and eradicate poverty from Uganda."

For more information about Graduating to Resilience LOCAL and opportunities to collaborate, please contact Jackie Aldrette, [email protected].

About AVSI Foundation 
AVSI Foundation is an international civil society organization operating in over 42 countries, delivering development and emergency interventions while prioritizing the holistic care of people. 

SOURCE AVSI Foundation