Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs
🏛 Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement (DOS-INL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to combat forced child recruitment by foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations in Colombia. U.S.-based nonprofits, 501(c)(3) educational institutions, and for-profit organizations may apply. Foreign-based nonprofits and educational institutions are also eligible. The project must support Colombian law enforcement efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute child recruiters.
The funding supports activities that weaken illegal armed groups and reduce threats to U.S. national security. Applicants should have experience in child protection, law enforcement support, or combating criminal organizations. This is a cooperative agreement, meaning awarded organizations will work closely with the U.S. Department of State.
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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
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Statement of work with detailed activities and timelines
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of partnerships with Colombian institutions
- Child protection and safety protocols
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
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$38,477,532
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$16,639,311
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$13,847,900
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$12,586,000
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$11,091,754
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$7,000,000
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$6,951,638
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$6,533,992
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$6,501,368
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$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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
U.S.-based nonprofits, 501(c)(3) schools, for-profit companies, and foreign nonprofits/schools may apply. All applicants must focus on combating forced child recruitment in Colombia.
What activities does this grant fund?
The grant supports efforts to help Colombian law enforcement investigate, arrest, and prosecute child recruiters. Activities should weaken illegal armed groups' capacity to recruit children.
What is the deadline and award amount?
The deadline is July 15, 2026 (fixed date). Awards range from $3.5 million to $4 million. This is a single competition with limited funding.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required. The federal government covers 100% of eligible project costs.
What type of partnership is this?
This is a cooperative agreement. You'll work directly with the U.S. Department of State on implementation and monitoring.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on how you'll strengthen Colombian law enforcement capacity. Emphasize partnerships with Colombian institutions and security agencies.
- Demonstrate experience combating trafficking, child protection, or organized crime. Highlight previous work in Latin America if applicable.
- Connect your activities clearly to U.S. national security interests. Show how reducing child recruitment weakens terrorist/criminal networks.
- Budget realistically for work in Colombia. Include costs for local staff, security, and coordination with government partners.
- Address child safety and protection in your methodology. Show how your approach keeps vulnerable youth from recruitment.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate U.S. national security connection—proposals must link activities to weakening FTO/TCO capacity. Not showing strong partnerships with Colombian law enforcement or local organizations—this is collaborative work. Vague child protection safeguards—applicants must detail how youth are kept safe throughout the project.
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