[Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor)

March 16, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due no later than March 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)

$4,853,409 total; one award; project period of 36–48 months

Supports emergency financial assistance to victims of religious persecution and defenders of religious freedom globally.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor (DRL), Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), provides funding for a program to deliver emergency financial assistance to individuals persecuted for their religious beliefs and to defenders of religious freedom worldwide. The program aims to address urgent needs such as threats of violence, medical care, legal representation, and the replacement of essential equipment damaged or confiscated due to religious persecution. The fund is open to organizations with the capacity to deliver rapid and secure support globally, including in high-risk or restrictive environments. Key outcomes include improving the safety, health, and freedom of recipients, verifying emergency conditions, and ensuring assistance is prioritized and delivered appropriately. The implementing organization will collaborate closely with the IRF office, which will be substantially involved in eligibility decisions, partner selection, and monitoring and evaluation. --- ## Due Dates - March 16, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due no later than March 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: $4,853,409 (pending availability of funds) - Number of anticipated awards: 1 - Award size: $4,853,409 - Project period: 36–48 months (anticipated start date: July 1, 2026) - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs (with or without 501(c)(3) status) - Private, public, or state institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations or businesses (note: cannot profit from the award) - Foreign-based non-profit organizations/NGOs - Public International Organizations Additional requirements: - All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration. - Individuals are not eligible to apply. - Primary applicants may submit only one application. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361150) or the [MyGrants portal](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_d_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=5f419a7b1b963ed02405ea85624bcbae&view=Default). - Required documents include: - SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms - Summary page and executive summary - Proposal narrative (max 10 pages) - Detailed budget and budget narrative - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning narrative - Logic model, risk analysis, security plan, organizational background, timeline, key personnel bios, and information on partners - All documents must be in English and budgets in U.S. dollars. - Applications must be complete and follow all formatting and content requirements as detailed in the NOFO. --- ## Additional Information - For-profit organizations may not earn profit from the award. - No funds may be directed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). - Compliance with all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and trafficking in persons regulations is required. - Prohibition on use of federal funds for certain foreign-manufactured drones. - Awardees must meet reporting and branding requirements specified by the Department of State. - The program will be administered as a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from IRF in decision-making and oversight. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Listing and Application](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361150) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/DFOP0017721-I-REFF-Emergency-Assistance-NOFO-REVISED-3-12-2026.pdf) - [MyGrants Portal Opportunity Page](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_d_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=5f419a7b1b963ed02405ea85624bcbae&view=Default) - [Funder Homepage](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Program Questions | IRFGrants@state.gov | | Grants.gov Support | support@grants.gov or +1 (800) 518-4726 | | MyGrants/Technical | ILMS Help Desk: +1 (888) 313-4567 or [Self Service Portal](https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms) | | Funder General Info | mulladydk@State.gov, (202) 647-2126 |

International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance

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