CRS User's Guide: Basic concepts - Official development assistance, Official aid

The Aid Activity database comprises data on official development assistance (ODA) to developing countries.  ODA activities are:

• undertaken by official agencies, including state and local governments, or by their executing agencies;
• with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of the recipient country as the main objective;
• at favourable financial terms (i.e. including a minimum element of subsidy).

More: Exact definition of ODA