RFAs: Program to End Modern Slavery Annual Program (US)

The Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) provides funding to develop, test, evaluate, and expand evidence-based solutions to combat human trafficking and modern slavery worldwide. The program supports organizations working to prevent trafficking, strengthen anti-trafficking responses, and address transnational crime through innovative and measurable interventions.

The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) and supports projects that contribute to reducing human trafficking through research, implementation, evaluation, and scaling of effective approaches.

Overview of the Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS)

The Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) is a strategic funding framework designed to support organizations developing practical and research-driven solutions to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.

The program focuses on:

Developing innovative anti-trafficking interventions.
Testing and evaluating approaches using evidence-based methods.
Expanding successful programs to achieve larger impact.
Strengthening global efforts against human trafficking.
Supporting initiatives linked to U.S. national security, economic competitiveness, and prevention of transnational crime.

PEMS encourages partnerships between research institutions, civil society organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to create sustainable solutions.

Key Focus Areas of PEMS Funding

The program supports projects that address challenges related to modern slavery and trafficking through:

Evidence-Based Anti-Trafficking Solutions

Projects should develop approaches based on research, data collection, and measurable outcomes.

Supported activities may include:

Designing new anti-trafficking models.
Testing prevention strategies.
Evaluating existing interventions.
Improving victim protection systems.
Strengthening community-based responses.

Research and Evaluation

PEMS supports projects that generate knowledge about effective ways to prevent and respond to trafficking.

Activities may include:

Data analysis.
Impact evaluations.
Research studies.
Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Documentation of successful practices.

Scaling Successful Interventions

Projects that demonstrate effectiveness may receive support to expand their reach.

Scaling activities may include:

Replication of successful models.
Expansion into new communities or regions.
Strengthening institutional capacity.
Improving sustainability of anti-trafficking programs.

Funding Information

The Program to End Modern Slavery provides significant financial support for eligible organizations.

Total Estimated Funding Available:

US$25 million

Individual Award Range:

Minimum award: US$500,000
Maximum award: US$8 million

Funding amounts will depend on project scope, objectives, budget requirements, and alignment with program priorities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organizations with the capacity to design and implement anti-trafficking initiatives.

Eligible applicants include:

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

Foreign governments are not eligible to apply directly. However, they may participate as beneficiaries or partners in funded projects.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

Experience working on human trafficking, modern slavery, or related issues.
Capacity to implement evidence-based programs.
Strong organizational management systems.
Ability to monitor and evaluate project outcomes.
Experience working with communities, governments, or international partners.
Financial and administrative capacity to manage large-scale grants.

Why This Program Matters

Modern slavery and human trafficking remain major global challenges affecting millions of people. Effective solutions require coordinated efforts that combine research, prevention, protection, and enforcement.

PEMS supports organizations by:

Improving understanding of trafficking patterns.
Developing stronger prevention mechanisms.
Supporting survivor-centered approaches.
Increasing accountability among stakeholders.
Strengthening international cooperation against trafficking networks.

By investing in evidence-based interventions, the program aims to create long-term improvements in combating exploitation and protecting vulnerable populations.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Program Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the official funding announcement, including:

Program objectives.
Eligibility criteria.
Funding restrictions.
Application requirements.
Evaluation criteria.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

A strong proposal should include:

Description of the trafficking challenge being addressed.
Evidence supporting the proposed intervention.
Project goals and expected outcomes.
Implementation strategy.
Monitoring and evaluation plan.
Sustainability approach.
Detailed budget and justification.

Step 3: Demonstrate Evidence and Impact

Applicants should explain:

How the intervention is based on research.
How success will be measured.
How results can be expanded or replicated.
How the project contributes to reducing trafficking.

Step 4: Submit Application Materials

Applicants must submit required documents according to the instructions provided in the official funding announcement.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Alignment with PEMS objectives.
Quality and effectiveness of proposed interventions.
Evidence-based approach.
Organizational capacity.
Technical expertise.
Project sustainability.
Budget effectiveness.
Potential impact on reducing human trafficking.

Important Considerations for Applicants

Applicants should consider the following:

Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Activities must directly support anti-trafficking goals.
Budgets should clearly justify requested costs.
Partnerships should strengthen project implementation.
Organizations should maintain strong financial and reporting systems.

Additional Requirement for For-Profit Organizations

Applications from for-profit organizations may receive additional review.

The Department of State does not allow profit payments to commercial organizations under assistance awards. Allowable costs will be reviewed according to applicable federal regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS)?

PEMS is a U.S. Department of State funding program that supports evidence-based projects designed to prevent and combat human trafficking and modern slavery.

How much funding is available through PEMS?

The program provides approximately US$25 million in total funding, with individual awards ranging from US$500,000 to US$8 million.

Who can apply for PEMS funding?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, public international organizations, U.S. government agencies, and eligible for-profit organizations.

Can foreign governments apply for PEMS grants?

No. Foreign governments cannot apply directly but may participate as beneficiaries of funded projects.

What types of projects does PEMS support?

The program supports projects that develop, test, evaluate, and scale evidence-based approaches to prevent and respond to human trafficking.

Are commercial organizations eligible?

Yes, for-profit organizations may apply, but their applications may undergo additional review, and profit is not permitted under assistance awards.

What makes a strong PEMS proposal?

A strong proposal demonstrates clear anti-trafficking objectives, evidence-based methods, measurable outcomes, organizational capacity, and a sustainable implementation strategy.

Conclusion

The Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) provides major funding opportunities for organizations developing innovative and measurable solutions to combat human trafficking. By supporting research, evaluation, and expansion of effective interventions, the program aims to strengthen global efforts against modern slavery and protect vulnerable communities.

Organizations with expertise in anti-trafficking work, research, humanitarian response, and community-based solutions are encouraged to develop proposals that demonstrate strong impact, sustainability, and evidence-based approaches.