The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), through its Office of International Religious Freedom, has announced a funding opportunity to provide emergency financial assistance to victims of religious persecution and defenders of religious freedom worldwide. The total available funding is $4,853,409 for a single award over 36–48 months.

Overview

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), is seeking organizations to implement a program that delivers emergency financial assistance to:

• Victims of religious persecution

• Individuals and communities targeted because of their faith

• Defenders of religious freedom

The initiative supports global efforts to anticipate, prevent, and respond to religiously motivated attacks and discrimination.

Program Objectives

Funded projects are expected to:

• Anticipate, prevent, and respond to attacks based on religion

• Help affected communities persevere as distinct communities

• Promote accountability for perpetrators

• Ensure equal legal protections regardless of belief

• Improve safety and security of houses of worship and public spaces

• Protect and preserve religious cultural heritage

Legal and Policy Framework

The Office of International Religious Freedom operates under:

• The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998

• The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016

These laws establish U.S. policy to promote religious freedom globally and support individuals facing persecution.

In addition, Executive Order 13926 identifies the promotion of international religious freedom as a national security imperative and foreign policy priority.

Funding Details

• Total available funding: $4,853,409 (pending availability of funds)

• Number of awards: One single award

• Performance period: 36 to 48 months

Funds are intended to support emergency financial assistance mechanisms and broader protection efforts.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include:

• U.S.-based non-profit organizations and NGOs (with or without 501(c)(3) status)

• Foreign-based non-profit organizations and NGOs

• Public international organizations

• Private, public, or state institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations or businesses

However, for-profit or commercial organizations may not generate profit from assistance awards.

Allowable Costs

Allowable costs include:

• Direct expenses

• Indirect expenses

Costs must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including Cost Accounting Standards Administration and Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

Expected Impact

The program aims to:

• Provide rapid financial support to victims of religious persecution

• Strengthen global protections for religious communities

• Enhance accountability mechanisms

• Safeguard cultural and religious heritage

• Reinforce international norms on freedom of religion or belief

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
   To provide emergency financial assistance to victims of religious persecution and defenders of religious freedom worldwide.

2. How much funding is available?
   Up to $4,853,409 for a single award, subject to fund availability.

3. How long is the project period?
   Between 36 and 48 months.

4. Who can apply?
   U.S. and foreign-based non-profits, NGOs, public international organizations, higher education institutions, and for-profit entities (without generating profit).

5. Can for-profit organizations earn profit from this grant?
   No. For-profit organizations cannot generate profit from assistance awards.

6. What types of activities are supported?
   Emergency financial assistance, safety and protection measures, accountability efforts, and preservation of religious cultural heritage.

7. Under what authority is this program established?
   The program operates under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Frank Wolf Act of 2016, and aligns with Executive Order 13926.

Conclusion

This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State underscores the United States’ commitment to protecting religious freedom globally. By providing emergency financial assistance and strengthening safeguards for vulnerable communities, the program seeks to combat religious persecution, promote accountability, and uphold fundamental rights worldwide.