Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Legal and Financial Disruption Program

The Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Legal and Financial Disruption Program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism. This program is designed to strengthen the capacity of partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat terrorism by enhancing legal frameworks and disrupting financial networks that support Foreign Terrorist Organizations. It aligns with broader U.S. national security priorities, including the National Security Strategy and Agency Strategic Plan, and emphasizes regional collaboration, institutional strengthening, and protection of U.S. interests abroad. The primary purpose of the program is to improve the ability of investigators, prosecutors, judges, and financial intelligence units to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate terrorism-related cases. The initiative focuses heavily on countering terrorist financing and dismantling networks associated with transnational criminal organizations and newly designated terrorist groups. Activities under the program include structured training, mentorship, and technical assistance that support legal reforms, regulatory improvements, and operational coordination across agencies and borders. Funding will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive training and mentoring platform. Applicants are expected to design programs that address high-risk financial sectors such as money service businesses, remittance channels, free trade zones, and logistics hubs. Allowable activities include curriculum development, regional workshops, institutional partnerships, and support for legislative and regulatory enhancements. The program also requires coordination with existing initiatives, including those led by the International Law Enforcement Academy, to avoid duplication and maximize impact. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding specific entities and activities such as support to UNRWA or programs encouraging migration caravans. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for-profit entities, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must maintain an active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required and does not influence the evaluation outcome. The program is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of State will have substantial involvement in program implementation, including oversight of training content, participant selection, and strategic direction. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes several mandatory components such as SF-424 forms, a detailed proposal narrative, a budget justification, and supporting attachments. The proposal must clearly articulate the program design, including a situational analysis, problem statement, logic model, theory of change, and performance monitoring plan. Applicants must also provide a detailed timeline, staffing plan, and sustainability strategy. Evaluation criteria include program quality, organizational capacity, alignment with strategic objectives, monitoring and evaluation plans, budget justification, and sustainability. The application deadline is June 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions must be submitted by May 1, 2026, with responses posted by May 8, 2026. Awards are anticipated to begin on September 30, 2026, with a performance period of up to 24 months. Only one award is expected, with total funding available up to 8,880,118 dollars. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by October 15, 2026. This funding opportunity is not explicitly recurring and is subject to the availability of funds. Throughout the program lifecycle, recipients will be required to comply with extensive reporting and administrative requirements, including quarterly performance tracking and financial reporting. The Department of State will maintain close involvement to ensure alignment with evolving policy priorities and to support effective implementation. This program represents a significant investment in regional security cooperation and institutional capacity building to counter terrorism and related financial threats in the Western Hemisphere.

Align proposal clearly with stated CT outcomes and provide strong logic model and measurable indicators; demonstrate regional coordination and sustainability planning