Leveraging Early Warning Early Response Systems to Promote Peace and Security in Sudan

The Leveraging Early Warning Early Response Systems to Promote Peace and Security in Sudan grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This federal funding opportunity is designed to support efforts that address ongoing conflict in Sudan by strengthening community-based systems that detect and respond to early warning signs of violence. The program is rooted in the broader U.S. foreign policy objective of promoting peace, preventing atrocities, and supporting democratic stability in conflict-affected regions. It reflects ongoing international engagement to address the humanitarian and political crisis in Sudan, particularly following sustained conflict between armed factions since 2023. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to empower local actors, including civil society organizations and community leaders, to monitor risks of violence and take timely action to prevent escalation. The program emphasizes the development and strengthening of Early Warning Early Response systems that enable communities to identify indicators of potential violence and respond quickly. These systems may include both technological tools and offline communication mechanisms to ensure accessibility in diverse environments. In addition, the program supports documentation of human rights abuses to contribute to future accountability processes and inform broader peace negotiations. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support a wide range of activities aligned with two core objectives. The first objective focuses on improving detection and response to early warning signs of violence at the community level. Activities may include training local monitors, facilitating data collection and analysis, convening stakeholders, and implementing locally driven response initiatives such as mediation or reconciliation efforts. The second objective aims to strengthen coordination between local actors and national or international stakeholders, including policymakers, to ensure that local insights inform peacebuilding strategies and diplomatic efforts. The grant allows for flexible program design but requires applicants to demonstrate a strong understanding of the local context and conflict dynamics in Sudan. Proposals must include clear goals, measurable objectives, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. Programs are expected to incorporate feedback from beneficiaries, ensure sustainability beyond the grant period, and avoid duplicating previous efforts. Certain activities are restricted, including humanitarian aid provision, purely academic research, and development of high end technological systems without clear programmatic relevance. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for profit entities with demonstrated experience in similar programming and the capacity to manage federal funding. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Partnerships and consortia are encouraged, particularly those that combine local and international expertise. Only one application per organization is permitted. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence the competitiveness of the application. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or MyGrants and include standard federal forms, a detailed proposal, budget justification, and supporting documentation. The application deadline is August 17, 2026, with awards expected to be announced by September 30, 2026. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2026, and the performance period ranges from 18 to 36 months. Award amounts range from 1000000 to 1973359 dollars, with total available funding of 1973359 dollars for one to two awards. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. The review process involves a panel of experts from the Department of State and other stakeholders. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and progress reports, and adhere to all applicable regulations and policies governing federal assistance programs.

Ensure strong monitoring and evaluation plan clear objectives and demonstrated organizational capacity