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 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S.-based and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations working to combat forced child recruitment by terrorist and criminal organizations. Applicants must have capacity to implement projects in Colombia or support Colombian law enforcement efforts. The project focuses on strengthening investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of recruiters. Geographic scope is international, with specific focus on Colombia.
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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
- Standard SF-424 forms (or State Department equivalents)
- Project Narrative and Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Narrative/Justification
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of Colombian law enforcement partnerships
- Security plan (standard for conflict zone operations)
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 can apply for this grant?
U.S.-based nonprofits, 501(c)(3) educational institutions, foreign nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and for-profit organizations are all eligible. You must demonstrate capacity to work on combating forced child recruitment.
What is the deadline and award amount?
The deadline is July 21, 2026. Awards typically range from $3.5 million to $4 million.
Does this require cost-sharing or matching funds?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant supports efforts to enable law enforcement investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of child recruiters in Colombia and similar contexts.
What type of agreement is awarded?
Awards are made as Cooperative Agreements, which involve substantial federal involvement and collaboration with the funder.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate deep understanding of forced child recruitment in Colombia and the legal/security landscape there. Reviewers want evidence of local knowledge and partnerships.
- Clearly connect your project to U.S. national security interests and disruption of FTO/TCO operations. This is a counter-terrorism and law enforcement grant.
- Build partnerships with Colombian law enforcement and government agencies. Federal reviewers will expect strong host-country collaboration.
- Show concrete outcomes tied to investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. Measurable metrics on recruiter prosecutions strengthen competitiveness.
- Prepare for significant federal oversight and reporting. Cooperative Agreements mean regular collaboration and monitoring with the State Department.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak partnerships with Colombian law enforcement or lack of host-country buy-in. Vague theory of change that doesn't clearly link activities to arrests/prosecutions. Insufficient attention to security risks and operational complexity in conflict zones.
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