Supporting Groups Targeted for TNR in Europe and Eurasia

The Supporting Groups Targeted for TNR in Europe and Eurasia funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This program is part of the Democracy Fund and is designed to address the growing challenge of transnational repression, where authoritarian actors extend coercive practices beyond their borders. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on protecting human rights, reinforcing democratic values, and strengthening civil society capacity in strategically important regions. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that improve the ability of civil society organizations, diaspora communities, and local stakeholders in Europe and Eurasia to identify, document, and counter transnational repression. The program emphasizes strengthening prevention mechanisms, enhancing rapid response capabilities for individuals under threat, and improving systems for documentation and reporting. By building these capacities, the grant aims to protect human rights defenders and vulnerable populations while increasing accountability for perpetrators. Funding supports a wide range of activities, including development of early warning systems, emergency response services such as relocation and legal aid, and the creation of secure communication networks. Projects may also include awareness campaigns, public forums, stakeholder coordination platforms, and evidence-based advocacy efforts. Applicants are expected to implement comprehensive approaches that integrate prevention, response, documentation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of State will be actively involved in program planning and implementation. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, and public international organizations. While cost sharing is not required and does not influence application competitiveness, applicants are encouraged to contribute additional resources where possible. Organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov to be eligible for funding. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, and supporting documentation such as budget justification and partner letters. The proposal narrative must clearly outline the problem being addressed, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, timeline, and monitoring and evaluation plan. Applicants must also include detailed security and contingency plans to ensure the safety of participants and continuity of operations. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the proposed program, organizational capacity, clarity of objectives, budget realism, and sustainability of outcomes. Preference may be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates when proposals are otherwise equally competitive. A review panel consisting of Department of State representatives and other stakeholders will assess submissions and make funding recommendations. The application deadline is August 13, 2026, with anticipated project start dates around September 30, 2026. The performance period ranges from 18 to 24 months, with the possibility of continuation funding based on performance and funding availability. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of September 2026. Throughout the project lifecycle, recipients must comply with reporting requirements, participate in regular coordination with the Department of State, and adhere to federal regulations governing grant administration.

Ensure strong monitoring and evaluation plan; demonstrate organizational capacity; align activities clearly with stated objectives; provide realistic budget and timeline