Emergency Assistance for Fundamental Freedom Defenders

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is seeking a single awardee to administer a cooperative‑agreement‑style grant of up to $4.93 million to provide on‑demand, short‑term emergency assistance to individuals and civil‑society organizations worldwide that face imminent threats because they defend fundamental freedoms (speech, assembly, association). The award will fund cash transfers, in‑kind support, legal and digital‑security assistance, safe‑housing, trauma counseling, and equipment replacement. The recipient must be able to vet beneficiaries quickly, allocate at least 50 % of funds to referrals from the State Department, and deliver the first assistance within 90 days of start. The performance period is 12‑18 months, with a possible continuation grant on a non‑competitive basis. • Eligible applicants: U.S. NGOs, higher‑education institutions, for‑profit firms, and foreign NGOs (must have UEI/SAM registration). • Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement (FY25 Democracy Fund) – total ceiling $4,932,500. • Expected start date: October 1, 2026; project length up to 18 months. • Required deliverables: detailed work plan, MEL plan, security & risk management plan, quarterly/annual reports. • No cost‑sharing required; all costs must comply with 2 CFR 200. • Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov/MyGrants by 11:59 PM ET, Sep 8, 2026.