Applications open for Child Protection Compact Annual Program (US)

The Child Protection Compact (CPC) Annual Program provides large-scale funding support for projects that prevent child trafficking, strengthen prosecution systems, and improve protection services for child victims. The programme supports multi-year partnerships between the United States and recipient countries to develop coordinated strategies against all forms of child trafficking.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, educational institutions, international organizations, for-profit organizations, and government agencies that can implement comprehensive child protection and anti-trafficking initiatives.

Overview of the Child Protection Compact Annual Program

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program is a funding opportunity designed to support global efforts to eliminate child trafficking through stronger prevention mechanisms, improved law enforcement capacity, and survivor-centred protection systems.

The programme is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) and focuses on developing long-term partnerships with countries facing significant child trafficking challenges.

A Child Protection Compact (CPC) is a multi-year agreement between the United States and a partner country that establishes a coordinated action plan to combat child trafficking through government cooperation, institutional strengthening, and community-based interventions.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports projects addressing three major areas:

1. Strengthening Prosecution of Child Traffickers

Projects should improve the ability of governments and justice institutions to investigate, prosecute, and convict individuals involved in child trafficking.

Supported activities may include:

Training law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial officials.
Strengthening investigation and case management systems.
Improving coordination between criminal justice agencies.
Enhancing evidence collection and victim-sensitive investigation methods.
Increasing accountability for child trafficking crimes.

2. Providing Protection and Support for Child Victims

Projects should ensure that child trafficking survivors receive comprehensive and appropriate support services.

Possible activities include:

Providing safe shelters and protection services.
Delivering medical, psychological, and social support.
Supporting trauma-informed care approaches.
Improving referral systems for child victims.
Assisting survivors with reintegration into families, schools, and communities.

3. Preventing Child Trafficking

Projects should address the root causes and risk factors that increase children’s vulnerability to trafficking.

Prevention activities may include:

Community awareness campaigns.
Child protection education programmes.
Training for frontline workers.
Strengthening child protection systems.
Supporting vulnerable children and families.
Developing early identification and prevention mechanisms.

Why This Programme Matters

Child trafficking is a global human rights challenge that affects children through forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced criminal activities, and other forms of exploitation.

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program aims to create sustainable systems that:

Protect children from exploitation.
Improve government response mechanisms.
Strengthen international cooperation.
Support survivors of trafficking.
Reduce the risk of future trafficking cases.

By combining prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts, the programme supports comprehensive solutions rather than short-term interventions.

Funding Information

The programme provides significant financial support for large-scale child protection initiatives.

Total Estimated Funding

Estimated programme funding: USD 12.5 million

Award Size

Minimum award amount: USD 5 million
Maximum award amount: USD 10 million

Funding is intended for comprehensive, multi-year projects that demonstrate strong implementation capacity and measurable outcomes.

Eligible Applicants

The following organizations may apply:

Nonprofit organizations.
Civil society organizations.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Think tanks.
Public and private educational institutions.
Public international organizations.
For-profit organizations.
U.S. government agencies.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in areas such as:

Child protection.
Human trafficking prevention.
Victim support services.
Criminal justice reform.
Government coordination.
Community-based protection programmes.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

Technical expertise in combating child trafficking.
Experience implementing large-scale international programmes.
Capacity to work with governments and local stakeholders.
Strong monitoring and evaluation systems.
Ability to manage significant grant funding.
Sustainable approaches for long-term impact.

Applicants proposing a Child Protection Compact should identify a recipient country and explain how the proposed partnership will address child trafficking challenges.

How the Child Protection Compact Works

The programme follows a partnership-based approach:

Step 1: Identify Child Trafficking Challenges

Applicants identify priority trafficking issues affecting children in the proposed country.

Step 2: Develop a Multi-Year Strategy

Projects should create a coordinated plan involving:

Government agencies.
Law enforcement bodies.
Child protection organizations.
Community groups.
International partners.

Step 3: Implement Protection and Prevention Activities

Activities may include:

Training programmes.
Awareness campaigns.
Survivor assistance.
Institutional strengthening.
Legal and policy improvements.

Step 4: Monitor Results

Projects should track progress through:

Performance indicators.
Outcome measurement.
Reporting systems.
Evaluation frameworks.

Evaluation Considerations

Applications are expected to demonstrate:

Strong understanding of child trafficking issues.
Effective prevention and protection strategies.
Capacity to strengthen prosecution systems.
Sustainable impact.
Collaboration with government and community partners.
Clear implementation plans.
Responsible financial management.

Important Considerations for For-Profit Organizations

For-profit organizations may apply; however:

Applications may receive additional review after panel selection.
Grant funds cannot generate profit for commercial organizations.
Allowable costs must follow applicable assistance regulations.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects without clear child trafficking objectives.
Failing to demonstrate local partnerships.
Proposing short-term activities without sustainability plans.
Not including measurable outcomes.
Lacking evidence of relevant experience.
Ignoring survivor-centred approaches.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

A competitive application should:

Clearly define child trafficking problems.
Provide evidence-based solutions.
Include government and community collaboration.
Explain how victims will receive long-term support.
Demonstrate institutional capacity.
Include measurable goals and outcomes.
Present a realistic implementation timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Child Protection Compact Annual Program?

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program funds projects that combat child trafficking through prevention, victim protection, and stronger prosecution systems.

2. What types of trafficking does the programme address?

The programme supports efforts against all forms of child trafficking, including exploitation, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other trafficking-related abuses.

3. How much funding is available?

The programme provides approximately USD 12.5 million in total funding, with individual awards ranging from USD 5 million to USD 10 million.

4. Who can apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, international organizations, government agencies, and eligible for-profit organizations.

5. What is a Child Protection Compact?

A Child Protection Compact is a multi-year partnership between the United States and a recipient country to develop coordinated strategies against child trafficking.

6. Can businesses apply?

Yes, for-profit organizations can apply, but profit generation from grant assistance is prohibited and additional review requirements may apply.

7. What activities can funding support?

Funding can support activities such as victim assistance, law enforcement training, prevention campaigns, child protection system strengthening, and government coordination.

Conclusion

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program provides major funding support for organizations working to eliminate child trafficking worldwide. By combining prevention strategies, survivor protection services, and stronger justice systems, the programme aims to create sustainable child protection solutions and improve responses to trafficking-related crimes.