Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 003
Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 003
- The DOS-DRL in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Internet Freedom Core Support for Anti-Censorship Technology" 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 Jun 13, 2016 and posted on Jun 13, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 26, 2016. (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 $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Internet Freedom Core Support for Anti-Censorship Technology opportunity is a U.S. Department of State program run through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). It was announced as an open competition for organizations that can provide long-term, core support for anti-censorship technologies that are already proven in practice. The central purpose is to strengthen internet freedom by helping civil society and end users maintain open, reliable, and secure access to the global internet in places where governments or other actors attempt to restrict information. The opportunity is framed as part of the broader U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace, emphasizing fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online.
The funding mechanism allows for either grants or cooperative agreements, meaning DRL could fund a project in a more traditional grant relationship or in a structure where the government has more ongoing involvement (typical of cooperative agreements). The activity category is listed as "Other," indicating the work does not fit neatly into standard buckets and is defined by the program description itself, which centers on anti-censorship technology support. Applicants were asked to submit proposals that lay out program concepts aligned with DRL's goals, with an emphasis on sustained, core support rather than short, one-off pilots. In practical terms, this kind of language usually signals interest in maintaining and scaling tools, improving resilience against evolving censorship tactics, strengthening security and reliability, and ensuring technologies remain usable for at-risk communities over time.
Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private universities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in that category), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and other eligible entities as described in the full eligibility clarification. This suggests DRL was willing to consider a wide range of organizational models, from research-focused academic teams to mission-driven nonprofits to established technology providers, as long as they could credibly deliver and sustain effective anti-censorship capabilities.
Financially, the opportunity listed an award ceiling of $5,000,000, with an expectation of making 2 awards. That points to relatively large, concentrated investments rather than many small grants, consistent with the stated intent to provide long-term, core support to proven technologies. The opportunity was cataloged under CFDA number 19.345, and it was posted and created on June 13, 2016, with a closing date of August 26, 2016 (no difference between the original and current closing dates). The funding opportunity number is DRLA DRLAQM 17 003, and the agency is identified as DOS-DRL.
Overall, this grant competition was designed to back organizations that already have functioning anti-censorship solutions and can demonstrate impact, operational maturity, and the ability to keep those tools effective as censorship methods change. The program priority is not simply developing new concepts, but supporting the ongoing capacity, infrastructure, and improvements needed to keep anti-censorship technologies dependable for real-world use, especially in restrictive information environments.
FAQs: Internet Freedom Core Support for Anti-Censorship Technology (DRL)
What is the "Internet Freedom Core Support for Anti-Censorship Technology" opportunity?
It is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) to provide long-term, core support for anti-censorship technologies that are already proven in real-world use.
Which U.S. government office is running this program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DOS-DRL / DRL).
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to strengthen internet freedom by helping civil society and end users maintain open, reliable, and secure access to the global internet in places where governments or other actors attempt to restrict information.
How does this opportunity relate to broader U.S. policy?
The opportunity is framed as part of the broader U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace, with an emphasis on fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online.
What kinds of projects is DRL seeking to fund under this competition?
Proposals were expected to focus on sustained, core support for established anti-censorship technologies rather than short-term, one-off pilots. The description emphasizes keeping proven tools effective and dependable over time.
Does the opportunity prioritize new technology development or support for proven solutions?
Based on the description provided, the priority is not simply developing new concepts. The competition is aimed at supporting organizations that already have functioning anti-censorship solutions proven in practice, and that can maintain and improve them as censorship evolves.
What does "core support" mean in the context of this opportunity?
In this announcement, "core support" refers to long-term support that helps sustain, maintain, and strengthen anti-censorship technology capabilities. The opportunity language points toward maintaining and scaling tools, improving resilience, strengthening security and reliability, and ensuring usability for at-risk communities over time.
What award types are available: grant or cooperative agreement?
The funding mechanism allows for either grants or cooperative agreements. This means DRL could support an effort through a more traditional grant relationship or through a cooperative agreement structure where the government typically has more ongoing involvement.
What does it mean if the award is a cooperative agreement?
The description indicates that cooperative agreements generally involve more ongoing involvement from the government compared to a traditional grant. (Specific involvement details are not included in the provided summary.)
What is the activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed as "Other," indicating the work does not fit neatly into standard activity buckets and is defined primarily by the anti-censorship technology support described in the program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private universities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in that category), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and other eligible entities as described in the full eligibility clarification.
Can universities apply?
Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private universities are included in the eligibility description.
Can nonprofit organizations apply if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (with the noted caveat that this category is for nonprofits that are not higher education institutions).
Can for-profit organizations apply?
Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses.
Are small businesses eligible?
The eligibility list specifies for-profit organizations other than small businesses, which indicates small businesses are not included under that for-profit eligibility category in the provided information.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $5,000,000.
How many awards did DRL expect to make?
The opportunity stated an expectation of making 2 awards.
What does the expected number of awards suggest about the program's funding strategy?
With a relatively high award ceiling and an expectation of only two awards, the program appears designed for relatively large, concentrated investments aligned with the intent to provide long-term, core support to proven technologies.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity was cataloged under CFDA number 19.345.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is DRLA DRLAQM 17 003.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted/created on June 13, 2016, and the closing date was August 26, 2016.
Was the closing date changed after the opportunity was posted?
No. The information provided indicates there was no difference between the original and current closing dates.
What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to achieve for end users?
The program aims to help end users and civil society maintain open, reliable, and secure access to the global internet in restrictive information environments.
What kinds of challenges are applicants expected to address?
The summary emphasizes the need to keep tools effective as censorship methods change, which implies applicants should be prepared to maintain resilience against evolving censorship tactics and keep technologies secure, reliable, and usable over time.
Is this opportunity focused on short-term pilot projects?
No. The announcement emphasizes sustained, long-term core support rather than short, one-off pilots.
What kind of applicant profile seems to fit this competition?
The opportunity is designed for organizations that already have proven anti-censorship technologies and can demonstrate impact, operational maturity, and the ability to sustain and improve those tools over time.
Who are the primary beneficiaries of the work funded by this program?
The stated beneficiaries include civil society and end users, particularly those operating in environments where information access is restricted.
What is the agency identifier listed for this opportunity?
The agency is identified as DOS-DRL.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: DOS-DRL
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Improvement of Animal Models for Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine (R24)
Previous opportunity: Notice of Intent - Digital Bedrock Topographic, Drift Thickness, and 3-D Surficial Geologic Maps of the Glaciated Counties of Northwestern Pennsylvania
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 DRLA DRLAQM 17 003
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DRLA DRLAQM 17 003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Outreach for the National Museum of Afghanistan Apply for SCAKAB 16 CA 013 SCA 06132016 Funding Number: SCAKAB 16 CA 013 SCA 06132016 Agency: DOS-AFG Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA Apply for USGS 16 FA 0263 Funding Number: USGS 16 FA 0263 Agency: DOI-USGS1 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Provide Students Experience in Cultural Resource Inventory through Trail Surveys Apply for P16AS00242 Funding Number: P16AS00242 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $29,935 |
| EDISON NHS YOUTH INTERNS FOR 2016 Apply for NPS16 NERO 0080 Funding Number: NPS16 NERO 0080 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $28,154 |
| Coastal Impacts Associated with Climate Change Apply for USGS 16 FA 0275 Funding Number: USGS 16 FA 0275 Agency: DOI-USGS1 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Strategic Trade Control Mentorship for Macedonia Apply for ISN ISNECC 16 010 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 16 010 Agency: DOS-ISN Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $96,000 |
| Developing Kosovo'ÂÂs Strategic Trade Control Enforcement Capabilities Apply for ISN ISNECC 16 011 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 16 011 Agency: DOS-ISN Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $123,000 |
| NOI TA: ENGAGE YOUTH RECREATION INTERNSHIPS Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0082 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0082 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $26,971 |
| EXBS Program Logistics Support Apply for ISN ISNECC 16 014 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 16 014 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferat Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,717,976 |
| NOI TA: PRORANGER PHILADELPHIA PROGRAM Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0083 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0083 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $116,000 |
| NOI TA: Geomorphological Change Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0084 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0084 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $49,991 |
| National Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center Apply for DTFH6116RA00016 Funding Number: DTFH6116RA00016 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,906,250 |
| Smart Growth America - Small Scale Manufacturing Apply for EDA HDQ RNTA 2016 2004952 Funding Number: EDA HDQ RNTA 2016 2004952 Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $160,433 |
| Libya Security Sector Mapping Apply for CSOG CSOOPS1 16 004 Funding Number: CSOG CSOOPS1 16 004 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Conflict Stabilization Operations Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| 16.PMWRA.Kosovo.Clearance.NOFO Apply for PM PMWRA 16 047 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 16 047 Agency: Department of State, PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Mitigation Saves Study Apply for EDA HDQ RNTA 2016 2004950 Funding Number: EDA HDQ RNTA 2016 2004950 Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARDYouth Projects: Provide for Volunteer and Special Event Program Support at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP and Saint-Gaudens NHS Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0086 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0086 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $31,412 |
| Study of Tunisian Populations Susceptible to Violent Extremism Apply for CSOG CSOOPS1 16 003 Funding Number: CSOG CSOOPS1 16 003 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Conflict Stabilization Operations Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD: Your Park! Your Health! Interns at Gateway NRA Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0085 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0085 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,059 |
| Internal Compliance Program for Serbia Apply for ISN ISNECC 16 013 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 16 013 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferat Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $175,000 |
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
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 "DRLA DRLAQM 17 003", 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.