Economic Support Fund

ESF is an Agency for International Development appropriation account for
funding economic assistance to countries based on considerations of
economic and foreign policy interests of the United States, often in
conjuntion with military base rights or access rights agreements. Country
allocations are determined by the State Department consistent with
Congressional earmarks. To the extent possible, the use of ESF conforms to
the basic policy directions underlying development assistance. Funds can
be used for commodity imports, balance of payments support or as cash
grants for budget support.