Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online
🏛 Bureau of Counterterrorism (DOS-SCT)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jun 21, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that counter U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO) recruitment online. Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society groups, educational institutions, for-profit companies, and government agencies can apply. The grant supports law enforcement and security efforts to disrupt digital recruitment by jihadist networks, drug cartels, and extremists. Projects may address emerging threats like AI-enhanced recruitment tactics.
Applicants should have expertise in counterterrorism, digital security, or related fields. International organizations and governmental institutions are also eligible. The work must focus on preventing FTO recruitment across borders and digital platforms.
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Program description
U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), including jihadist networks, drug cartels, and individual extremists, continue to act on violent ideations and inspire others globally. Recruitment efforts are increasingly digital, thus making counterterrorism investigations more complex across borders. Furthermore, emerging technology, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), are enhancing recruitment effectiveness with target populations. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism, announces this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to support law enforcement in countering U.S.-designated FTO online recruitment, pending the availability of funds.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational capability statement
- Evidence of law enforcement partnerships (if applicable)
- Curriculum vitae or resumes of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Counterterrorism
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.701 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$22,988,485
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$12,475,819
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$11,840,645
-
$11,692,024
-
$11,167,474
-
$11,074,555
-
$10,221,242
-
$7,749,000
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$7,198,208
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$7,095,687
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Not-for-profits, think tanks, NGOs, educational institutions, for-profit companies, and government agencies can apply. Public International Organizations are also eligible.
What is the funding amount?
Awards are fixed at $4,933,399 per award, pending fund availability.
What activities does this grant support?
Projects countering online recruitment by terrorist organizations. Work on digital disruption, AI-related recruitment threats, and cross-border counterterrorism investigations are supported.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 27, 2026. This appears to be a fixed deadline rather than rolling.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on specific, measurable ways to disrupt or counter FTO online recruitment tactics. Vague approaches will not be competitive.
- Address how your organization handles emerging technologies like generative AI in the recruitment context. This is a priority area.
- Demonstrate existing law enforcement partnerships or networks. Collaboration enhances your application's credibility.
- Clearly explain the cross-border or international scope of your proposed work. This grant prioritizes global counterterrorism needs.
- Include detailed methodology for measuring success in reducing recruitment effectiveness. Funders want concrete outcome metrics.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack specific, measurable outcomes or focus too broadly on general counterterrorism without addressing online recruitment. Organizations without relevant expertise in digital security or law enforcement partnerships struggle to compete. Proposals that don't address emerging technologies like AI in recruitment contexts miss a key priority area.
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