Countering Transnational Repression Through Evidence-based Research (US)

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is accepting proposals for a research initiative that examines how perpetrators of transnational repression infiltrate diaspora communities through faith-based and quasi-government organizations. The program offers a fixed award of USD 986,679 to support research, evidence generation, and practical tools that strengthen protection, accountability, and policy responses.

About the Funding Opportunity

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) of the U.S. Department of State has launched a funding opportunity to support research on transnational repression (TNR) affecting diaspora communities.

The initiative seeks to improve understanding of how governments or affiliated actors use faith-based institutions, quasi-government organizations, community networks, surveillance technologies, and information operations to intimidate, monitor, or silence individuals living outside their countries of origin.

Beyond research, the program emphasizes developing practical recommendations and resources that can assist governments, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and civil society organizations in preventing and responding to transnational repression.

Programme Objectives

The program aims to:

• Investigate methods used to carry out transnational repression.
• Document the role of governmental and quasi-governmental organizations in facilitating repression.
• Improve protection for diaspora communities and faith-based organizations.
• Strengthen accountability through evidence-based research.
• Support policymakers and law enforcement with practical resources.
• Enhance international efforts to counter transnational repression.

What is Transnational Repression?

Transnational repression refers to actions taken by governments or their proxies to intimidate, threaten, surveil, harass, or silence individuals living outside their home country.

These activities may target:

• Political dissidents.
• Human rights defenders.
• Journalists.
• Religious leaders.
• Faith-based organizations.
• Refugees and exiles.
• Diaspora communities.
• Civil society activists.

Methods may include surveillance, intimidation, coercion, online harassment, misuse of legal systems, threats against family members, and infiltration of community organizations.

Priority Research Areas

Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

Mapping Transnational Repression Networks

Research may examine:

• Organizational structures.
• Government-linked networks.
• Cross-border coordination.
• Operational mechanisms.

Governmental and Quasi-Governmental Mechanisms

Projects may investigate:

• Misuse of official institutions.
• Activities conducted through government-affiliated organizations.
• Cross-border influence operations.

Faith-Based and Community Organizations

Research may explore:

• Co-option of religious institutions.
• Infiltration of diaspora organizations.
• Community influence mechanisms.
• Risks faced by faith-based communities.

Technology and Surveillance

Supported research may analyze:

• Digital surveillance.
• Cyber monitoring.
• Artificial intelligence tools.
• Information operations.
• Online intimidation.
• Communication monitoring technologies.

Supported Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

• Academic and policy research.
• Data collection and analysis.
• Network mapping.
• Case studies.
• Evidence generation.
• Risk assessments.
• Policy recommendations.
• Development of practical guidance for authorities.
• Production of reports and educational resources.

Projects should generate actionable findings that improve responses to transnational repression.

Funding Available

The program provides:

• Total funding: USD 986,679
• Award ceiling: USD 986,679
• Award floor: USD 986,679

The funding supports implementation of a comprehensive research project under this funding opportunity.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Think tanks.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Public educational institutions.
• Private educational institutions.
• For-profit organizations.
• Individuals.
• Governmental institutions.
• Public international organizations.

Registration Requirements

Organizations applying for funding must:

• Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• Maintain an active registration through SAM.gov.
• Meet all organizational eligibility requirements specified in the funding announcement.

Individuals applying independently are not required to obtain a UEI or register with SAM.gov.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to:

• Better understanding of transnational repression tactics.
• Stronger protection for vulnerable diaspora communities.
• Improved evidence for policymakers.
• Enhanced law enforcement responses.
• Increased institutional accountability.
• Practical recommendations for preventing future incidents.

Why This Funding Matters

Transnational repression has become an increasingly significant global human rights concern.

Research supported through this program can help:

• Protect vulnerable communities.
• Strengthen democratic institutions.
• Improve public policy.
• Enhance international cooperation.
• Reduce threats to freedom of expression and association.
• Support evidence-based human rights advocacy.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps before submitting a proposal.

Step 1: Review the Funding Requirements

Carefully examine the official funding announcement and eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Prepare a proposal that includes:

• Research objectives.
• Methodology.
• Project activities.
• Expected outcomes.
• Budget.
• Timeline.
• Impact strategy.

Step 3: Complete Registration Requirements

Organizations should:

• Obtain a UEI.
• Maintain active SAM.gov registration.
• Confirm organizational eligibility.

Individuals do not need to complete these registration requirements.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Include all required documents specified in the application guidelines.

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Submit the complete application according to the official instructions before the application deadline.

Application Tips

To improve your proposal:

• Clearly demonstrate expertise in human rights or transnational repression.
• Present a rigorous research methodology.
• Include realistic implementation plans.
• Show how findings will inform policy and practice.
• Explain how research outcomes will benefit affected communities.
• Develop practical recommendations rather than purely theoretical analysis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Failing to address the priority research themes.
• Presenting vague or unsupported methodologies.
• Omitting plans for practical application of research findings.
• Allowing organizational registrations to lapse.
• Providing insufficient evidence of institutional capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, NGOs, think tanks, educational institutions, governmental institutions, public international organizations, for-profit organizations, and individuals.

How much funding is available?

The opportunity provides a single fixed award of USD 986,679.

What is the main objective of the programme?

The program supports research into how transnational repression targets diaspora communities through faith-based and quasi-government organizations while developing practical tools to improve prevention and response.

Are organizations required to register with SAM.gov?

Yes. Organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain an active SAM.gov registration. Individuals are exempt from these requirements.

What kinds of research are encouraged?

Projects may examine transnational repression networks, government-linked influence mechanisms, community infiltration, surveillance technologies, information operations, and evidence-based policy responses.

How will the research be used?

The findings are intended to support policymakers, law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, and civil society organizations in strengthening accountability and protecting targeted communities.

Why is this initiative important?

The program advances global human rights by improving understanding of transnational repression, strengthening protections for diaspora communities, and supporting evidence-based strategies to counter cross-border intimidation and abuse.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor funding opportunity provides USD 986,679 to support innovative research on transnational repression affecting diaspora communities. By documenting emerging tactics, examining the misuse of faith-based and quasi-government organizations, and producing practical resources for policymakers and law enforcement, the initiative seeks to strengthen accountability, enhance community protection, and advance international efforts to counter transnational repression.