Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism, is offering a funding opportunity titled Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online to address the growing threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies. This federal initiative is funded through Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs resources and is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the U.S. government throughout the grant period. The program is designed to strengthen international law enforcement capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute online terrorist recruitment activities, particularly those enhanced by artificial intelligence and encrypted communications. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to counter the increasing sophistication of terrorist recruitment strategies in digital environments. Foreign terrorist organizations are utilizing generative AI, social media platforms, gaming ecosystems, and encrypted communication tools to expand their reach and radicalize individuals globally. This grant aims to support innovative, scalable approaches that disrupt these recruitment networks while improving investigative and prosecutorial capabilities. The program also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy among vulnerable youth populations and encourages collaboration with private sector stakeholders to enhance platform resilience. Funding for this opportunity is capped at approximately 4.9 million dollars, with at least one award anticipated. The project performance period is expected to last up to three years, with an anticipated start date on or before September 30, 2026. Funds are intended to support technical assistance, training, capacity building, and programmatic interventions that align with U.S. counterterrorism priorities. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required and does not influence application competitiveness. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding activities related to mass migration caravans and specific international entities. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, academic institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier at the time of application. Only one application per organization is permitted. Proposals must clearly demonstrate alignment with stated program goals, including strengthening investigative standards, improving prosecution capabilities, and protecting U.S. interests abroad. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, a performance monitoring plan, budget justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Proposals must outline a clear theory of change, logic model, and measurable indicators of success. Evaluation criteria focus on program feasibility, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, budget justification, and sustainability of outcomes. The deadline for applications is July 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the application process must be submitted by June 12, 2026, with responses published by June 24, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by October 31, 2026. Recipients will be required to submit regular performance and financial reports and engage in ongoing coordination with the Bureau of Counterterrorism throughout the grant period. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in global security by enhancing the ability of international partners to counter digital terrorist threats. It prioritizes innovation, measurable impact, and collaboration across sectors to address one of the most pressing challenges in modern counterterrorism efforts.

Ensure strong alignment with counterterrorism objectives; include measurable outcomes; demonstrate organizational capacity; provide detailed monitoring plan