Shaping the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)

CGD made significant contributions to the design of the US Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), administered by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Steve Radelet’s book Challenging Foreign Aid set forth many of the guiding premises of the new aid program. Later, CGD launched the MCA Monitor, led by Sheila Herrling, to provide analysis and advice on country selection, program implementation, and adherence to the MCA’s core principle of transparent, nonpolitical aid allocation. On the basis of the MCA Monitor’s strong reputation, Herrling was asked to lead President Obama’s transition team's work on the MCC.