Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs
This grant supports projects in Colombia to help law enforcement investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who forcibly recruit children into terrorist and criminal organizations.
Funder: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement
Due Dates: June 15, 2026 (Questions due) | July 15, 2026 (Full application due)
Funding Amounts: $3,500,000–$4,000,000 total for one cooperative agreement; 24-month project period; no cost share required.
Summary: Supports a project to strengthen Colombian law enforcement capacity to combat forced child recruitment by terrorist and criminal organizations through training, technology, and improved prosecution.
Key Information: Only one application per organization; for-profit entities may not include profit/fee; public international organizations are not eligible.
Description
This funding opportunity, offered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to combat forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Colombia. The project aims to support Colombian law enforcement—including the National Police and Attorney General’s Office—in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those responsible for the forced recruitment and criminal use of minors.
Key activities include specialized training, provision of technological tools to enhance evidence collection (particularly online), and improved coordination among law enforcement and with local and private sector partners. The project should focus on operational outcomes such as increased arrests, prosecutions, and convictions, and may engage with social media companies and faith-based organizations to disrupt recruitment networks.
Applicants should propose evidence-based approaches, demonstrate experience with criminal justice projects in Colombia, and address both forced recruitment and criminal exploitation of minors under Colombian law.
