Leveraging Academic Institutions and Judicial Professional Bodies to Document TNR

The Leveraging Academic Institutions and Judicial Professional Bodies to Document TNR funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This federal initiative is designed to address the growing global challenge of transnational repression by supporting programs that strengthen the capacity of academic institutions and judicial professional bodies. The Bureau seeks to expand the global evidence base on transnational repression by enabling structured documentation, analysis, and response mechanisms among practitioners and scholars. The purpose of this grant is to facilitate collaboration between academic researchers and judicial practitioners to develop tools and systems that can systematically identify and document cases of transnational repression. The program emphasizes the creation of evidence-based methodologies and the dissemination of findings to inform policymakers and increase awareness. Activities may include needs assessments, training programs, workshops, research studies, and the publication of findings in peer reviewed journals or reports. The initiative also aims to foster long term coordination between academic, legal, and policy communities. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, meaning the Bureau will maintain substantial involvement throughout the project lifecycle. The total funding available is fixed at 1973359 dollars, with one award anticipated. The performance period is expected to range between 18 and 24 months, with flexibility up to 36 months depending on project design. Allowable uses of funds include program implementation, research activities, training, and coordination efforts, while restrictions prohibit use of funds for certain activities such as support to specific restricted entities or activities related to mass migration promotion. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for profit entities. Applicants must possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence the competitiveness of an application. Applicants are expected to demonstrate organizational capacity, relevant expertise, and the ability to manage federal funds effectively. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed proposal of up to 15 pages. The proposal must include sections such as a project summary, problem statement, goals and objectives, project activities, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Additional required components include a budget justification narrative, security plan, and supporting attachments such as partner letters and key personnel criteria. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation approach, and sustainability. The Department of State will conduct a merit review and risk assessment prior to award decisions. Successful applicants may receive conditions or recommendations to refine their proposals before final approval. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 20 2026 at 1159 PM Eastern Time, with an anticipated project start date of September 30 2026. Unsuccessful applicants are expected to be notified by the same date. There is no indication of recurring funding cycles for this opportunity, and it is presented as a single competitive announcement subject to availability of funds. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the designated Department of State contact email provided in the notice.

Ensure strong monitoring and evaluation framework clear measurable objectives and detailed budget justification aligned with program activities