FHI 360 Plans More Layoffs in May

FHI 360, the Durham-based nonprofit known for its global work in health, education, and human development, will lay off 483 U.S.-based employees, including 144 in North Carolina. The force reduction takes effect May 2 and comes in response to recent cuts in federal funding and the termination of several government-backed projects.

More than 700 additional staff members working in other countries already have been affected by similar reductions, as the organization adjusts to a significant financial shortfall.

“Having to part ways with so many talented staff who have dedicated themselves to advancing FHI 360’s mission is incredibly painful,” said Dr. Tessie San Martin, CEO of FHI 360, in a news release. “We have had to take these difficult actions to ensure FHI 360 remains positioned to continue delivering evidence-based solutions to global challenges and creating measurable impact.”

FHI 360 was founded in 1971 as Family Health International and rebranded in 2011 after merging with the Academy for Educational Development. Today, its headquarters are located in downtown Durham at the American Tobacco Campus. The organization operates in more than 60 countries and across the United States, with work spanning public health, education, economic development, climate resilience, and civil society.

Many of the affected U.S.-based employees had been previously furloughed, as FHI 360 held out hope that project funding would resume. With that hope fading, the nonprofit is now focused on helping staff navigate the transition, even as it works to stabilize and refocus its mission.