Documentation of Human Rights Abuses by Organized Criminal Groups

The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is soliciting applications for grants to strengthen accountability for human rights abuses committed by organized crime groups in Colombia, Ecuador, or Mexico, with applications due August 31, 2026. DRL anticipates awarding 1–2 grants totaling $1,967,535 from FY25 Democracy Fund.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and international not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, and foreign-based NGOs. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active SAM.gov registration.

Individual award amounts range from $900,000 to $1,967,535. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory; federal and foreign government funding do not qualify as cost-share. Indirect costs may be claimed through a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or at 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs, which includes salaries, fringe benefits, materials, supplies, travel, and up to $50,000 of each subaward while excluding equipment, capital expenditures, rental costs, scholarships, and participant support costs.

The project performance period runs 18–24 months, with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2026. Work is performed in Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico; applicants select one or more country based on organizational capacity.

Competitive proposals must include subawards to at least 1–2 identified subrecipients, demonstrate a Do No Harm approach to avoid retraumatization, include clear performance indicators and data collection methods, and provide resources for digital and offline security of staff and participants. Program objectives are to strengthen civil society documentation and evidence collection efforts, expand community access to protection mechanisms and legal support services, and advance judicial security and reform through strategic advocacy.

Applicants must submit applications electronically through Grants.gov or MyGrants with mandatory federal forms, a 15-page maximum proposal, detailed budget justification, partner letters of commitment, and certifications regarding trafficking in persons compliance and adherence to Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance policies.

Assistance Listing: 19.345 (International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor). Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0019647.