Sin Rutas, Sin Recursos: Hitting Criminal Networks Where It Hurts

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Bogota is soliciting applications for a single grant to contract an investigative journalist or media production firm to document how reduced illegal migration has disrupted criminal networks in Colombia, with an application deadline of August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. The award ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 with a 12-month or shorter performance period beginning September 20, 2026.

Eligible applicants are investigative journalists, media production firms, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and registered media companies with demonstrated experience in investigative reporting, documentary production, or photojournalism capable of operating in Colombian border regions. For-profit entities are ineligible. Colombia-based and U.S.-based applicants are eligible, provided they obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and register in SAM.gov; individuals are excepted from SAM registration. No cost share is required.

The project centers human stories and testimonies from affected communities, reinforced by data and visual graphics, for dissemination across social and traditional media. Deliverables include a multi-part investigative video mini-series documenting how migrant "toll" payments financed violence against communities and security forces, high-impact visual journalism highlighting ecological recovery in border zones as illegal transit declines, and all content optimized for social media and broadcast distribution. The work targets criminal networks including Clan del Golfo and Tren de Aragua and is performed in close coordination with Colombian authorities and relevant U.S. agencies.

Evaluation criteria are quality and feasibility of program idea (30 points), organizational capacity and grant history (25 points), project planning and ability to achieve objectives (20 points), budget (10 points), monitoring and evaluation planning (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using SF-424 or SF-424-I forms, SF-424A budget forms, a maximum three-page narrative proposal, detailed line-item budget with justification, key personnel resumes, and letters of support from partners. This opportunity is funded under CFDA 19.040 (Public Diplomacy Programs).