Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL/IRF) is issuing a global Request for Statements of Interest (SOI) for FY26 to fund projects that promote religious freedom worldwide. Up to 50 awards will be made, each ranging from $1 M to $3 M, with the possibility of single‑country or multi‑country proposals. Applicants may submit up to five SOIs, can be NGOs, higher‑education institutions, public international organizations, or for‑profit entities (subject to additional review). Projects must align with U.S. foreign policy, address restrictions on religious freedom, and include detailed narrative, budget, monitoring, risk analysis, and compliance components. The award period may be up to 54 months, with potential non‑competitive continuations. Submissions are accepted electronically via MyGrants or Grants.gov by December 7, 2026.
• Open to a broad range of non‑profit, academic, international, and for‑profit entities.
• Funding amount per award: $1 M–$3 M; up to 50 awards.
• Project focus: promote religious freedom, counter restrictive laws/policies, support civil‑society partners.
• Required deliverables: SF‑424 series, cover page, executive summary, narrative (≤10 pages), detailed budget, audit, logic model, M&E plan, risk analysis, security and contingency plans.
• Eligibility: active SAM/UEI registration; no exclusion on EPLS; cost‑sharing optional.
• Award duration: up to 54 months (including possible continuations).
• Submission deadline: 23:59 EST, December 7, 2026 (electronic).