CFAs: Global Coalition Against Transnational Repression

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has launched a funding opportunity to establish a global programme addressing transnational repression by improving coordination and strengthening the capacity of governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations. The programme aims to protect diaspora communities, journalists, dissidents, and human rights defenders from cross-border intimidation, harassment, and harm.

About the Global Program to Counter Transnational Repression

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is inviting proposals for a new global initiative focused on preventing and responding to transnational repression.

The programme aims to create stronger international cooperation mechanisms and improve the ability of key stakeholders to identify, prevent, and respond to cross-border threats against individuals and communities.

The initiative will support collaboration between:

• Partner governments.
• Law enforcement agencies.
• Civil society organizations.
• Human rights organizations.
• Research institutions.

What Is Transnational Repression?

Transnational repression refers to actions taken by authoritarian governments or state-linked actors to target individuals beyond their national borders.

These actions are intended to silence, intimidate, control, or harm people living abroad.

Common targets include:

• Diaspora communities.
• Political dissidents.
• Journalists.
• Human rights defenders.
• Activists.
• Researchers and academics.

Examples of transnational repression may include:

• Harassment or intimidation.
• Threats against individuals or families.
• Digital surveillance.
• Online attacks.
• Forced silence or censorship.
• Physical harm or attempts to restrict freedom of expression.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme seeks to strengthen global efforts to counter transnational repression by improving prevention, coordination, and response systems.

Key objectives include:

• Building cooperation among governments and civil society groups.
• Improving institutional capacity.
• Protecting vulnerable communities.
• Supporting human rights defenders.
• Strengthening responses to cross-border threats.

Key Focus Areas

1. Strengthening International Coordination

The programme supports stronger collaboration among organizations working to address transnational repression.

Activities may include:

• Creating coordination networks.
• Sharing best practices.
• Improving communication between stakeholders.
• Supporting international partnerships.

2. Building Government and Law Enforcement Capacity

The initiative aims to improve the ability of institutions to respond effectively.

Possible activities include:

• Training programmes.
• Technical assistance.
• Development of response mechanisms.
• Knowledge-sharing initiatives.

3. Supporting Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations play an important role in protecting affected communities.

The programme supports organizations working to:

• Document cases of repression.
• Provide support services.
• Advocate for human rights.
• Increase awareness.

4. Protecting At-Risk Communities

The programme focuses on safeguarding:

• Diaspora communities.
• Journalists.
• Dissidents.
• Human rights defenders.
• Individuals targeted because of their beliefs or activities.

Funding Information

The estimated total funding available for this programme is:

• Total Programme Funding: $2,960,039
• Maximum Award Amount: $2,960,039
• Minimum Award Amount: $2,000,000

Selected projects will receive substantial funding to develop and implement global-level activities.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Nonprofit Organizations

Including:

• Think tanks.
• Civil society organizations.
• Non-governmental organizations.

Educational Institutions

Eligible institutions may include:

• Public universities.
• Private educational institutions.
• Research organizations.

For-Profit Organizations

For-profit organizations may apply where allowed under applicable funding rules.

Individuals

Individuals may also be eligible to submit proposals.

Why This Programme Matters

Transnational repression threatens:

• Freedom of expression.
• Human rights.
• Democratic values.
• Personal safety.
• International security.

People living outside their home countries may continue facing threats from foreign governments, making international cooperation essential.

The programme helps build systems that:

• Protect individuals from cross-border abuse.
• Strengthen democratic resilience.
• Promote accountability.
• Support safer environments for journalists and activists.

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Proposal Development

Applicants should design programmes that address global challenges related to transnational repression.

Proposals should explain:

• The problem being addressed.
• Target communities.
• Planned activities.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 2: Partnership Building

Strong proposals should include collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as:

• Government institutions.
• Civil society groups.
• Human rights organizations.
• Research partners.

Step 3: Capacity Building Activities

Projects may include:

• Training.
• Research.
• Advocacy.
• Coordination platforms.
• Technical support.

Step 4: Monitoring and Impact Measurement

Applicants should include methods to measure:

• Programme outcomes.
• Capacity improvements.
• Community impact.
• Long-term sustainability.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare proposals containing:

• Project description.
• Programme objectives.
• Implementation strategy.
• Budget details.
• Organizational capacity information.
• Monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Partnership details, if applicable.

Applicants should ensure proposals clearly demonstrate how activities will contribute to reducing transnational repression.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without clear objectives.
• Failing to explain expected impact.
• Ignoring affected community needs.
• Providing weak partnership strategies.
• Not demonstrating relevant experience.

Application Tips

Strong applications should:

• Clearly define transnational repression challenges.
• Demonstrate expertise in human rights or security issues.
• Include practical solutions.
• Highlight international collaboration.
• Provide measurable outcomes.
• Show sustainability beyond the grant period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Global Program to Counter Transnational Repression?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding programme designed to strengthen global efforts to prevent and respond to cross-border repression targeting individuals and communities.

Who is targeted by transnational repression?

Targets may include diaspora communities, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and political dissidents living outside their home countries.

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, permitted for-profit organizations, and individuals.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides approximately $2.96 million in total funding, with awards ranging from $2 million to $2.96 million.

What activities can the programme support?

Supported activities may include coordination, training, research, capacity building, advocacy, and protection initiatives.

Why is international cooperation important in addressing transnational repression?

Because these threats cross borders, effective responses require cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The main goal is to strengthen global capacity to protect individuals from cross-border intimidation, harassment, and human rights violations.

Conclusion

The Global Program to Counter Transnational Repression provides a major funding opportunity to strengthen international efforts against cross-border threats targeting vulnerable individuals and communities. By supporting coordination, capacity building, and protection mechanisms, the programme aims to promote human rights, democratic values, and safer environments for people facing transnational repression.