Franklin Graham, chief of the worldwide Christian ministry Samaritan’s Purse, has turned down an offered $300 million from a State Department grant program, confirming he will be relying instead on God and the group’s supporters.
Federal officials had announced a $2 billion grant program that would have allowed that ministry, and others, to provide assistance to the needy worldwide.
But a report from Religion News Service revealed that Samaritan’s Purse confirmed it would be relying, for support, on God and its private donors.
Graham said, “While we deeply appreciate the confidence that the State Department has placed in Samaritan’s Purse, after prayer and discussion, we have withdrawn from being a recipient of these funds.”
The Trump administration is reshaping how America delivers foreign aid, with faith-based organizations playing a major role.
But one of the biggest Christian humanitarian organizations in the country just said no to $300 million.@SamaritansPurse has withdrawn from a State…
— Roys Report (@ReachRoysReport) September 1, 2026
Franklin Graham just said no to $300 million in federal money!
The State Department invited Samaritan’s Purse into a “macro grant” under the new America First Global Health Strategy. The award was $300 million over two years for disaster response, part of nearly $2 billion the… pic.twitter.com/3PLo0rSDtX— Carolyn Rockey (@CarolynWRockey) September 2, 2026
The report Graham did not offer any elaboration on the decision.
He said the ministry would be available to work with the U.S. government in the future, but not on this occasion.
Published reports explained the development comes as the Trump administration is restructuring aid to victims of foreign disasters following the huge cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The money was part of Trump’s America First Global Health Initiative, which also is involving a number of other community groups and faith-based organizations.
Graham noted, “Throughout my history leading Samaritan’s Purse, we have always relied on God, not government, for funding.”
He did have some praise for Trump, “I’m grateful that the U.S. government remains the global leader in providing life-saving aid around the world.”
Samaritan’s Purse already has an annual budget that often exceeds $1 billion for projects including providing food, clean water, medical treatment, shelter and more when disasters occur around the globe.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott explained to reporters some faith-based groups offer expertise and are “trusted partners that have a track record of delivering that assistance in a way that is effective.”
