Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs
🏛 Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement (DOS-INL)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to combat forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Colombia. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations. Projects must support Colombian law enforcement in investigating, arresting, and prosecuting recruiters. Activities strengthen regional security by reducing illegal armed group capacity.
This grant is for organizations working to combat forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Colombia. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations. Projects must support Colombian law enforcement in investigating, arresting, and prosecuting recruiters. Activities strengthen regional security by reducing illegal armed group capacity.
Program description
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to combat forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) in Colombia. Combating forced child recruitment weakens illegal armed groups by depriving them of members and reduces their ability to engage in criminal activities that threaten U.S. national security. This project will support Colombian efforts to combat forced child recruitment by enabling law enforcement to investigate, arrest, and prosecute recruiters.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for organizations working to combat forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Colombia. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations. Projects must support Colombian law enforcement in investigating, arresting, and prosecuting recruiters. Activities strengthen regional security by reducing illegal armed group capacity.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed SF-424 and SF-424 Supplement
- Project Narrative and Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational capacity and experience documentation
- Letters of support from Colombian law enforcement partners
- Evidence of organizational legal status and tax-exempt status (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.705 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$38,477,532
-
$16,639,311
-
$13,847,900
-
$12,586,000
-
$11,091,754
-
$7,000,000
-
$6,951,638
-
$6,533,992
-
$6,501,368
-
$6,463,569
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.705). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $42,368,087 | |
| 2025 | $9,799,179 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions (501(c)(3) or tax-exempt), and for-profit organizations are eligible.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $3.5 million to $4 million under a cooperative agreement instrument.
What activities does this grant support?
Projects enabling Colombian law enforcement to investigate, arrest, and prosecute child recruiters working for terrorist and criminal organizations.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 6, 2026.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus applications on direct support to Colombian law enforcement capacity building. Emphasize investigative and prosecutorial tools.
- Demonstrate experience working with foreign governments and law enforcement agencies. Include past projects in similar contexts.
- Address how your organization will ensure sustainability and transition of activities after grant completion.
- Highlight specific metrics for measuring reduced recruitment rates and increased prosecutions.
- Partner with established Colombian organizations to strengthen credibility and operational effectiveness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project scope without specific law enforcement partners in Colombia. Unrealistic timelines for building investigative capacity and securing prosecutions. Insufficient detail on how activities reduce child recruitment.
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