Countering Foreign Terrorist Organization Use of Illicit Mining

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of Counterterrorism, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity titled Countering Foreign Terrorist Organization Use of Illicit Mining. This federal funding opportunity is designed to address the growing global threat posed by illicit gold mining, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, where it has become a major source of revenue for foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal networks. The Bureau of Counterterrorism is responsible for advancing U.S. national security interests by disrupting terrorist financing and strengthening international counterterrorism capabilities, and this initiative reflects those priorities. The primary purpose of this grant is to reduce the operational capacity of foreign terrorist organizations by targeting illicit mining activities that generate funding for these groups. The program emphasizes strengthening investigative capabilities, improving intelligence sharing, and enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks that can disrupt both the extraction and financial flows associated with illegal mining. Applicants are expected to propose comprehensive strategies that address the full supply chain, including extraction, transportation, and laundering of illicitly sourced gold, while also supporting coordination among law enforcement, financial institutions, and judicial actors. Funding for this opportunity is provided through Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs funds authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act. The total available funding is up to 4933399 dollars, with at least one award anticipated. Individual awards may reach up to this full amount, and projects must be completed within a performance period of up to 24 months. The funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of State will maintain substantial involvement in program implementation, including strategic guidance, coordination, and oversight of key activities. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as nonprofit entities, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier at the time of application. While cost sharing is permitted, it is not required and does not influence the evaluation ranking. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, and failure to comply with submission requirements may result in disqualification. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, budget justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Proposals must clearly outline program design, including situational analysis, problem statement, alignment with U.S. counterterrorism strategy, and a logic model with measurable outcomes. A performance monitoring plan is also required, along with a timeline, staffing plan, and sustainability strategy. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation, and cost effectiveness. The application deadline is July 15, 2026 at 1700 Eastern Time, and questions must be submitted by June 19, 2026. Successful applicants are expected to begin implementation by September 30, 2026. Awards will be announced no later than October 15, 2026. Throughout the grant period, recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly performance tracking and financial reporting, as well as ongoing coordination with the Bureau of Counterterrorism. This funding opportunity is part of a broader effort to stabilize regions affected by illicit mining and terrorist financing, particularly in countries such as Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. By strengthening institutional capacity and disrupting criminal revenue streams, the program aims to protect U.S. interests, enhance global security, and promote lawful economic activity in vulnerable regions.

Align proposal clearly with CT outcomes; include measurable indicators and strong monitoring plan; demonstrate regional expertise and partnerships; ensure detailed and realistic implementation plan