Track 2.0 Peacebuilding and Dialogue Support

The Track 2.0 Peacebuilding and Dialogue Support program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This funding opportunity is designed to support peacebuilding initiatives in regions of strategic importance to the United States by facilitating informal diplomatic engagement known as Track 2.0 diplomacy. This approach emphasizes dialogue among non governmental actors such as civil society organizations, journalists, activists, and community leaders who play critical roles in sustaining peace processes outside of formal government negotiations. The program reflects the Department of State commitment to advancing stability and democratic values globally by strengthening grassroots and cross community engagement in conflict affected areas. The primary purpose of this grant is to establish a rapid response mechanism that enables timely support for peacebuilding convenings and dialogue initiatives. These activities are intended to bring together diverse stakeholders across conflict lines to foster trust, promote mutual understanding, and develop collaborative solutions to ongoing tensions. The program specifically targets regions such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, while remaining open to other areas aligned with Presidential peace initiatives. By enabling flexible and responsive programming, the grant supports opportunities that may arise unpredictably in dynamic conflict environments. Funding under this opportunity totals 1973359 dollars, with one anticipated award issued as a cooperative agreement. The performance period ranges from 18 to 24 months, with projects expected to be completed within 24 months or less. The Department of State may consider continuation funding based on performance, funding availability, and alignment with agency priorities. Funds may be used for a variety of peacebuilding activities including convening dialogue sessions, facilitating workshops, supporting stakeholder engagement, building networks, and providing training in conflict resolution and mediation. The program encourages subawards and in kind support to local organizations, emphasizing localization and sustainability. Eligible applicants include US and foreign nonprofit organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence application competitiveness. Applicants must maintain a valid Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov. Only one application per organization is permitted, and failure to comply with submission requirements may result in disqualification. Individuals are not eligible to apply independently. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes standard federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative of up to 15 pages. Applicants must provide a clear problem statement, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability approach. Additional required materials include a budget justification narrative, letters of support, and a comprehensive security plan addressing risks associated with operating in high risk environments. Applications must be submitted in English and adhere to strict formatting guidelines. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget appropriateness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. The Department of State also conducts risk assessments considering financial stability, management systems, and prior performance. Successful applicants may receive substantial involvement from the Department in program implementation, including approval of work plans, oversight of key activities, and strategic guidance. The application deadline is August 13 2026 at 1159 PM Eastern Time, with an anticipated project start date of September 30 2026. Applicants may contact the program via email at DRL PRU Solicitation at state dot gov for questions. Reporting requirements include regular financial and programmatic updates, as well as final reports within 120 days of project completion. The program is not explicitly recurring, and future funding cycles are dependent on agency priorities and appropriations.

Ensure strong risk mitigation strategies, clear implementation plan, and measurable outcomes aligned with peacebuilding objectives