Global Digital Threat Lab

The Global Digital Threat Lab funding opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This program is designed to address increasing global threats to freedom of expression online, particularly those stemming from authoritarian governments and malicious actors who deploy advanced technologies such as commercial spyware and artificial intelligence-enabled cyberattacks. The initiative aligns with broader U.S. strategic priorities to protect human rights, privacy, and open access to information in digital environments worldwide. The program reflects growing concern that civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders are frequently targeted without sufficient resources to respond effectively. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish or support a global digital threat lab capable of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cyber threats affecting independent voices. The program emphasizes both research and operational support. On the research side, the lab is expected to track and report on emerging digital threats, including trends in spyware usage, AI-enabled attacks, and other forms of digital repression. On the operational side, the lab will provide direct support such as digital forensics, incident response, and preventive cybersecurity services to at-risk organizations and individuals. These dual objectives are designed to be integrated, ensuring that research informs practical interventions and that field experience enhances analytical outputs. Funding for this program totals approximately 2,960,039 dollars, with a single award anticipated. The period of performance is up to 36 months, and applicants may be considered for continuation funding based on performance and availability of funds. Allowable uses of funds include research production, cybersecurity services, training, and limited provision of software or tools necessary to mitigate specific threats. However, the program imposes restrictions, including prohibitions on funding activities related to certain migration initiatives or support to specified entities. Additionally, applicants are expected to avoid duplicating existing efforts and instead complement ongoing initiatives in the digital security ecosystem. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, allowing applications from U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit entities. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. While individuals are not required to register, organizational applicants must meet federal compliance requirements. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence the competitiveness of an application. Applicants may only submit one proposal as a primary applicant, although they may participate in multiple proposals as subrecipients or consortium members. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants by August 13, 2026. Required components include standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, a budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as partner letters and personnel descriptions. The proposal must clearly articulate the problem being addressed, project goals and objectives, methodology, timeline, and evaluation plan. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with objectives, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation rigor, and sustainability of outcomes. The Department of State plays an active role in oversight, particularly if the award is structured as a cooperative agreement. This includes approval of workplans, personnel, and subawards, as well as ongoing coordination and technical consultation. Awardees must comply with extensive reporting requirements, including financial and narrative progress reports, and must adhere to federal regulations and policy requirements. The anticipated project start date is late September 2026, with notifications and award issuance occurring prior to that timeframe. Overall, the Global Digital Threat Lab program represents a significant investment in strengthening global digital resilience. By combining research, technical assistance, and collaboration, the initiative seeks to empower civil society actors to better understand and defend against evolving cyber threats. The program’s emphasis on sustainability, global reach, and integration of research and practice underscores its strategic importance in advancing digital rights and protecting democratic values in the online space.

Ensure strong integration between research and operational activities Demonstrate global reach and sustainability Provide detailed monitoring and evaluation metrics