Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The U.S. Embassy Abuja Public Diplomacy Section is offering funding to support projects that reduce violence and promote religious freedom in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on interfaith dialogue, youth engagement, peacebuilding structures, and cooperation between communities and security actors. Grants range from $75,000 to $100,000 for 12-month projects in priority regions like Benue and Plateau.
Overview
The U.S. Embassy Abuja’s Public Diplomacy Section is inviting eligible organizations to apply for funding under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
The purpose is to support projects that reduce violence and strengthen religious freedom among vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
The program focuses on practical, community-level interventions that improve trust, dialogue, and cooperation between religious and ethnic groups.
Core Objectives of the Program
The funding supports initiatives that address conflict drivers and promote peaceful coexistence.
Interfaith Dialogue and Trust Building
- Organize structured forums between Christian and Muslim communities
- Strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding
- Build long-term interfaith relationships
Reducing Youth Vulnerability to Extremism
- Engage at-risk youth in leadership programs
- Support dialogue-based community activities
- Promote peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility
Strengthening Government and Civil Society Collaboration
- Develop action plans addressing hate speech and conflict mediation
- Improve coordination on religious freedom issues
- Strengthen local governance responses to violence
Enhancing Security and Information Sharing
- Facilitate meetings between community leaders and security officials
- Improve early response to violence trends
- Strengthen communication systems for conflict prevention
Building Community Peace Structures
- Establish peace committees at local levels
- Monitor tensions and emerging conflicts
- Mediate disputes before escalation
Raising Awareness on Religious Freedom
- Conduct public awareness campaigns on tolerance
- Educate communities on religious rights
- Provide information on reporting violence or discrimination
Geographic Focus Areas
The program prioritizes regions experiencing heightened intercommunal tensions.
Priority Regions
- North-Central Nigeria
- Benue State
- Plateau State
These areas are targeted due to increased incidents of religious and ethnic conflict.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. not-for-profit organizations
- Nigerian not-for-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Public international organizations
Ineligible Applicants
- For-profit entities
Mandatory Requirements
- Valid SAM.gov registration
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Ability to complete a 12-month project cycle
Funding Details
Award Range
- Minimum: $75,000
- Maximum: $100,000
- Total funding pool: $100,000
Project Duration
- Up to 12 months
Cost Sharing
- Not required
- Must clearly define roles if subcontractors are involved
Non-Eligible Activities
The program does not fund:
- Partisan political activities
- Charitable or humanitarian aid distribution
- Construction projects
- Religious proselytization
- Fundraising activities
- Lobbying efforts
- Scientific research
- Commercial ventures
- Organizational development as the primary focus
Expected Impact
The initiative is designed to:
- Reduce violence in vulnerable communities
- Strengthen interfaith cooperation
- Improve relationships between citizens and authorities
- Address root causes of religious and ethnic conflict
- Promote religious freedom as a fundamental right
It aligns with the U.S. Government’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to religious freedom violations.
How It Works / Application Process
Step 1: Eligibility Check
Applicants must confirm they meet organizational and registration requirements.
Step 2: Proposal Development
Strong proposals should include:
- Clear problem statement
- Target communities and regions
- Detailed implementation strategy
- Measurable outcomes and indicators
Step 3: Budget Planning
- Must remain within $75,000–$100,000 range
- Clearly justify costs and partnerships
Step 4: Submission
Applications must be submitted following official Embassy Abuja Public Diplomacy Section guidelines.
Step 5: Evaluation
Proposals are assessed based on:
- Relevance to objectives
- Feasibility and sustainability
- Community impact
- Monitoring and evaluation plan
- Organizational capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including religious proselytization activities
- Weak interfaith balance in programming
- Ignoring priority regions (Benue, Plateau)
- Missing SAM.gov or UEI registration
- Poorly defined budgets or outcomes
- Lack of measurable indicators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
It supports projects that reduce violence and promote religious freedom through interfaith dialogue, youth engagement, and peacebuilding.
2. Who can apply?
U.S. and Nigerian nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations.
3. What is the funding amount?
Between $75,000 and $100,000, with a total pool of $100,000.
4. What is the project duration?
All projects must be completed within 12 months.
5. Which regions are prioritized?
North-Central Nigeria, especially Benue and Plateau states.
6. Are for-profit organizations eligible?
No, for-profit entities are not eligible.
7. What activities are not supported?
The program does not fund proselytization, political activities, construction, lobbying, or commercial ventures.
Conclusion
This U.S. Embassy Abuja funding opportunity supports structured, community-based interventions that reduce violence and strengthen religious freedom in Nigeria. It prioritizes interfaith dialogue, youth engagement, and collaboration between civil society and authorities to address long-term drivers of conflict. Organizations with strong implementation capacity and local engagement are well-positioned to apply successfully.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
