Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) is accepting applications for its International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Annual Program Statement. The programme provides grants ranging from USD 1 million to USD 10 million to support projects that prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and strengthen prosecution efforts in line with U.S. anti-trafficking priorities.
International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Annual Program Statement
The International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Annual Program Statement supports projects that address human trafficking through comprehensive prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies. The programme is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) and seeks to strengthen global efforts to combat trafficking while supporting international partnerships and sustainable anti-trafficking systems.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to strengthen global responses to human trafficking by supporting evidence-based projects aligned with U.S. foreign assistance priorities.
The objectives include:
- Preventing human trafficking.
- Protecting victims and survivors of trafficking.
- Strengthening the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes.
- Supporting implementation of anti-trafficking legislation.
- Enhancing international cooperation.
- Strengthening institutional capacity to combat trafficking.
- Advancing sustainable anti-trafficking systems.
Priority Areas
Projects should address priorities related to:
- Human trafficking prevention.
- Victim protection and assistance.
- Criminal justice and prosecution.
- Law enforcement capacity.
- Survivor-centered approaches.
- Human rights.
- International cooperation.
- Capacity building.
- Public awareness.
- Policy implementation.
- Anti-trafficking governance.
- Rule of law.
Proposed projects should align with:
- The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and its subsequent reauthorizations.
- The U.S. National Security Strategy.
- Relevant Executive Orders.
- The FY 2026–2030 U.S. Department of State Agency Strategy.
- Country-specific recommendations contained in the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.
- America First Foreign Policy priorities.
Funding Available
The programme provides:
- Total estimated funding: USD 38.5 million
- Minimum grant: USD 1 million
- Maximum grant: USD 10 million
Funding supports projects that contribute directly to preventing and combating human trafficking.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- Civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Think tanks.
- Public educational institutions.
- Private educational institutions.
- For-profit organizations.
- Public international organizations.
- U.S. government agencies.
Foreign governments are not eligible to apply. However, governments may participate as beneficiaries of funded programmes.
Applications submitted by for-profit organizations may undergo additional review, and commercial organizations are not permitted to earn profit under U.S. federal assistance awards.
Eligible Activities
Projects may include activities that:
- Prevent human trafficking.
- Protect trafficking victims and survivors.
- Strengthen criminal investigations.
- Improve prosecution of trafficking offences.
- Build institutional and organizational capacity.
- Enhance public awareness and prevention efforts.
- Support implementation of anti-trafficking laws and policies.
- Improve coordination among stakeholders.
- Strengthen victim identification and referral systems.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed according to the requirements outlined in the funding opportunity.
During the evaluation process, reviewers will assess:
- Alignment with programme objectives.
- Technical quality of the proposed project.
- Organizational capacity.
- Project design and implementation approach.
- Compliance with funding requirements.
- Cost reasonableness and allowability.
Applications from for-profit organizations may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process and must comply with applicable U.S. federal cost principles.
Why This Programme Matters
Human trafficking remains one of the world’s most serious human rights challenges, affecting millions of people globally.
This programme helps:
- Strengthen national and international anti-trafficking systems.
- Improve protection for victims and survivors.
- Increase accountability for traffickers.
- Build institutional capacity.
- Promote international cooperation.
- Support sustainable anti-trafficking solutions.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations should:
- Review the funding opportunity requirements.
- Confirm organizational eligibility.
- Develop a project aligned with programme priorities.
- Prepare a detailed technical proposal and budget.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity and relevant experience.
- Submit the completed application according to the funding opportunity instructions.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain the trafficking challenge the project will address.
- Align activities with prevention, protection, and prosecution objectives.
- Reference relevant country needs and context.
- Demonstrate strong organizational experience in anti-trafficking programming.
- Present a realistic implementation plan and budget.
- Ensure compliance with all application and federal funding requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and eligible for-profit organizations.
How much funding is available?
The programme provides grants ranging from USD 1 million to USD 10 million, with an estimated total programme budget of USD 38.5 million.
Can foreign governments apply?
No. Foreign governments are not eligible applicants, although they may benefit from funded projects.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. However, applications from for-profit organizations may undergo additional review, and profit is not permitted under the assistance award.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects that prevent human trafficking, protect victims, strengthen prosecution efforts, build institutional capacity, and improve anti-trafficking systems.
What policy frameworks should proposals align with?
Projects should align with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the U.S. National Security Strategy, relevant Executive Orders, the FY 2026–2030 U.S. Department of State Agency Strategy, the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, and America First Foreign Policy priorities.
Conclusion
The International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Annual Program Statement provides substantial funding to organizations working to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and strengthen justice systems worldwide. By supporting comprehensive and coordinated anti-trafficking initiatives, the programme contributes to stronger international efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.