About
BRAC USA is an independent 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City that serves as the U.S. presence — the fundraising and advocacy arm — for BRAC, described as the world's largest Global South-led development organization. BRAC equips people living in poverty with the tools, opportunities, and skills to lift themselves out of poverty, with a focus on moving "beyond aid" toward proven, scalable solutions.
Mission
BRAC's approach centers on "proven solutions to end poverty," emphasizing potential over aid. BRAC USA connects American donors and partners to that global work; it is legally distinct from BRAC Bangladesh, BRAC International, and BRAC Europe, each of which has its own operational structure.
What they do
BRAC operates across four integrated areas:
- Development and humanitarian response programs that create sustainable pathways to economic and social empowerment
- Social enterprises that meet client needs while generating program income
- Socially responsible investments that expand access to services
- BRAC University, which develops future leaders
BRAC's programs operate in countries including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
History
BRAC was established in 1972 under the leadership of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, beginning in Sulla, a remote area of northeastern Bangladesh, with emergency relief and rehabilitation of returning refugees after the country's war of independence. It shifted to long-term development in 1974, founded the Aarong social enterprise for rural women artisans in 1978, ran an oral rehydration therapy program in the 1980s that eventually reached 13 million households, began non-formal primary education in 1985, established BRAC University and BRAC Bank in 2001, expanded beyond Bangladesh starting with Afghanistan in 2002, and responded to the Rohingya refugee crisis in 2017.
Scale and impact
BRAC reports that in 2024, 145 million people globally accessed its programs, that it has disbursed $6 billion in microloans (primarily to women), and that 1 in 5 people in Bangladesh has received BRAC support.
Financials
According to IRS filings compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (BRAC USA Inc, EIN 20-8456741), BRAC USA reported total revenue of about $15.4 million and total expenses of about $17.5 million in fiscal year 2023, with year-end total assets of about $51.4 million. Revenue varies year to year with grant flows; for example, it reported about $73.5 million in total revenue in fiscal year 2020. BRAC USA publishes its annual reports, audited financials, and Form 990s on its website.
Governance
Julia Roberts is President & CEO of BRAC USA. The organization is headquartered at 26 Broadway in New York, NY.
