Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0019647

  • The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Documentation of Human Rights Abuses by Organized Criminal Groups" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
  • This funding opportunity was created on 2026-08-14.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,967,535.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others.
Apply for DFOP0019647

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Documentation of Human Rights Abuses by Organized Criminal Groups" (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0019647). The program is focused on strengthening accountability for human rights abuses committed by organized criminal groups, with activities targeted specifically in Colombia, Ecuador, or Mexico. In practical terms, the opportunity is geared toward efforts that improve the collection, preservation, and use of credible information about abuses so that victims, civil society, and relevant institutions are better positioned to pursue justice and other accountability outcomes.

This is a grant competition under CFDA 19.345 and falls under the funding activity category labeled "Other." DRL anticipates making up to two awards under this announcement, and the maximum funding amount per award is listed as $1,967,535. The opportunity was created on August 14, 2026, and the application deadline is August 31, 2026, indicating a relatively short window between posting and closing for applicants to prepare and submit complete proposals.

Eligibility is broad and includes both U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs (with or without 501(c)(3) status), private, public, or state institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations or businesses, and foreign-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs. This wide eligibility suggests DRL is open to proposals from a range of actors, such as human rights documentation groups, academic research centers, and specialized technical organizations that can support documentation, analysis, and accountability pathways related to organized crime-linked abuses in the specified countries.

Overall, the opportunity is designed to support projects that help move beyond awareness of abuses and toward accountability by strengthening the underlying documentation and evidentiary foundations needed for credible reporting, legal processes, and other justice-oriented mechanisms in Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The grant opportunity is titled "Documentation of Human Rights Abuses by Organized Criminal Groups."

Who is offering this grant?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DFOP0019647.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 19.345.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is labeled "Other."

What is the main purpose of this program?

The program focuses on strengthening accountability for human rights abuses committed by organized criminal groups. It is geared toward improving how credible information about abuses is collected, preserved, and used so that victims, civil society, and relevant institutions are better positioned to pursue justice and accountability outcomes.

Which countries are targeted by this opportunity?

Activities are targeted specifically in Colombia, Ecuador, or Mexico.

Does a proposed project have to take place in all three countries?

No. The opportunity specifies activities targeted in Colombia, Ecuador, or Mexico, which indicates projects may focus on one of these countries rather than all three.

What types of activities does DRL want to support?

Based on the description provided, DRL is seeking efforts that improve the documentation and evidentiary foundations related to abuses by organized criminal groups, including work that strengthens the collection, preservation, and use of credible information so it can better support credible reporting, legal processes, and other justice-oriented mechanisms.

What outcomes is this program trying to achieve?

The program is designed to help move beyond awareness of abuses and toward accountability by strengthening the underlying documentation needed for victims, civil society, and relevant institutions to pursue justice and other accountability outcomes.

How many awards does DRL expect to make?

DRL anticipates making up to two awards under this announcement.

What is the maximum funding amount per award?

The maximum funding amount per award is $1,967,535.

When was this opportunity created (posted)?

The opportunity was created on August 14, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is August 31, 2026.

How much time is available to apply after the opportunity was created?

Based on the dates provided (created August 14, 2026; deadline August 31, 2026), the application window is relatively short, with about 17 days between posting and closing.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes both U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include:

  • U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • Private, public, or state institutions of higher education
  • For-profit organizations or businesses
  • Foreign-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs

Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes non-U.S. entities, including foreign-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs.

Are for-profit organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations or businesses are listed among eligible applicants.

Do U.S. nonprofits need to have 501(c)(3) status to be eligible?

No. U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs are eligible with or without 501(c)(3) status.

Are universities and higher education institutions eligible?

Yes. Private, public, or state institutions of higher education are eligible to apply.

What kinds of organizations might be a good fit for this funding, based on the description?

The opportunity appears open to a range of actors that can contribute to credible documentation and accountability pathways, such as human rights documentation groups, academic research centers, and specialized technical organizations capable of supporting documentation, analysis, and justice-oriented use of information related to organized crime-linked abuses in the targeted countries.

Is this a discretionary grant opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity and a grant competition.

What problem is this program trying to address?

The program targets human rights abuses committed by organized criminal groups and seeks to strengthen accountability by improving the quality and usability of information about those abuses.

What does the program mean by strengthening "accountability"?

In the context provided, strengthening accountability means improving the documentation and evidentiary base so that victims, civil society, and relevant institutions can more effectively pursue justice, support legal processes, and advance other accountability outcomes grounded in credible information.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other

Next opportunity: Promoting Responsible Investment and Rights-Respecting Production Models

Previous opportunity: BJA FY26 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for DFOP0019647

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0019647) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Promoting Responsible Investment and Rights-Respecting Production Models Apply for DFOP0019659

Funding Number: DFOP0019659
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $2,959,500
Countering Weaponized Migration to Central and Eastern Europe Apply for DFOP0019651

Funding Number: DFOP0019651
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,973,359
Documenting Human Rights Abuses and Countering DPRK Propaganda Apply for DFOP0019674

Funding Number: DFOP0019674
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $2,960,039
Supporting Implementation of the Labor Provisions of Trade Arrangements for American Worker Competitiveness Apply for FOA ILAB 26 28

Funding Number: FOA ILAB 26 28
Agency: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $18,000,000
Ensuring “Pro-American Worker” Critical Minerals Supply Chain in the Western Hemisphere Apply for FOA ILAB 26 30

Funding Number: FOA ILAB 26 30
Agency: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
Protecting the American Seafood Supply Chain by Countering Unfair Labor Practices and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing   Apply for FOA ILAB 26 29

Funding Number: FOA ILAB 26 29
Agency: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $11,000,000
Freedom Shield: Global Forced Labor Import Prohibition Initiative Apply for FOA ILAB 26 44

Funding Number: FOA ILAB 26 44
Agency: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $18,000,000
Documenting Violence Against Women and Children Apply for DFOP0019701

Funding Number: DFOP0019701
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,973,359
University-led Networks for Innovation, Technology, and Expertise (UNITE) Apply for DOS SAU 2603 PD

Funding Number: DOS SAU 2603 PD
Agency: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $150,000
Global Rapid Response Fund for Advancing Fundamental Freedoms Apply for DFOP0019705

Funding Number: DFOP0019705
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $9,569,050
Independent Journalism Consortium in Europe Apply for DFOP0019671

Funding Number: DFOP0019671
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
FY26 Railroad Rights-of-Way and Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Information and Education Program Apply for FR OLS 26 001

Funding Number: FR OLS 26 001
Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Mi Tierra, Mi Triunfo: Colombians Thriving After Their Return Apply for OFOP0003636

Funding Number: OFOP0003636
Agency: U.S. Mission to Colombia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $50,000
Sin Rutas, Sin Recursos: Hitting Criminal Networks Where It Hurts Apply for OFOP0003648

Funding Number: OFOP0003648
Agency: U.S. Mission to Colombia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $50,000
Annual Program Statement Apply for AF HAR FY26 03

Funding Number: AF HAR FY26 03
Agency: U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $15,000
Implementation of Four GCTF Classic Workshops in 2027 Apply for OFOP0003762

Funding Number: OFOP0003762
Agency: American Institute in Taiwan
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $500,000
U.S-Saudi AI Research Commercialization Accelerator Program (ReCAP) Apply for DOS SAU 2605 PD

Funding Number: DOS SAU 2605 PD
Agency: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $900,000
MENA Freedom 250 NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship Apply for DOS SAU 2606 PD

Funding Number: DOS SAU 2606 PD
Agency: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $150,000
Emergency Assistance for Fundamental Freedom Defenders Apply for DFOP0019749

Funding Number: DFOP0019749
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $4,932,500
AEIF 2026 Alumni Summit: Freedom 250 Apply for PDS SAU FY26 07

Funding Number: PDS SAU FY26 07
Agency: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $100,000

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0019647", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.