Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe
🏛 Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor (DOS-DRL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that strengthen democratic resilience, rule of law, and human rights protections in Europe. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, public educational institutions, and private educational institutions. For-profit organizations may also apply. The program supports research, conferences, cultural engagement, and civil society initiatives that address sovereignty, migration, censorship, and legal challenges across Europe.
Activities must align with Western democratic values and constitutional principles. Projects can focus on freedom of speech and press protection. The program emphasizes strengthening institutions and addressing contemporary governance challenges.
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Program description
DRL requests proposals to strengthen and develop democratic resilience, rule of law, freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and the defense of human rights in Europe through research, conferences, cultural engagements, and support for civil society to address national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and lawfare challenges in line with shared political philosophy, law, and our common Western civilizational heritage.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proposal narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational capacity statement
- Evidence of European partnerships
- Project timeline and milestones
- Dissemination/impact plan
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
- 📧 DRL-PRU-Solicitation@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.345 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$315,860,780
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$315,249,800
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$315,000,000
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$300,000,000
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$169,139,219
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$41,873,445
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$25,316,509
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$25,249,252
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$18,266,765
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$10,254,124
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, public universities, private universities, and for-profit organizations are all eligible. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to work on European democracy and human rights issues.
What geographic focus is required?
The grant requires work benefiting Europe. Projects should address challenges specific to the European region and strengthen European democratic institutions.
What types of activities are eligible?
Eligible activities include research, conferences, cultural programs, and civil society support. Projects addressing migration, censorship, rule of law, and sovereignty issues are prioritized.
What is the typical funding amount?
Awards range from $1 million to $3 million. Competitiveness increases with clear, measurable outcomes and strong European partnerships.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. Full project costs can be covered by the award amount.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build partnerships with established European organizations and think tanks to strengthen proposal credibility. Local partners add authenticity to democracy work.
- Define concrete deliverables like published research, specific conferences, or measurable civil society capacity gains. Vague goals reduce competitiveness.
- Align your activities explicitly with Western democratic principles and rule of law values. Make the philosophical connection clear.
- Demonstrate understanding of current European challenges like migration, censorship, and institutional pressures. Ground your work in real regional context.
- Include dissemination and impact plans showing how research or findings will reach policymakers, media, and civil society audiences across Europe.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack clear European partnerships or on-the-ground presence often lose out. Work must demonstrate genuine engagement with regional stakeholders. Projects without measurable outcomes or defined conference/publication plans are seen as unfocused. Vague alignment with democracy values without specific legal or policy targets fails to address grant priorities.
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