Understanding the Millennium Challenge Corporation [MCC]: A Legal Perspective
Definition & Meaning
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. government agency established to provide foreign aid aimed at reducing global poverty. Created by Congress in January 2004, MCC focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth through effective policies and country ownership. The agency offers two main types of financial assistance: compacts and threshold grants. Compacts are substantial, five-year grants awarded to eligible countries, while threshold grants are smaller amounts given to nations that are close to meeting eligibility criteria and are committed to improving their policy performance.