OPEN CFDA 19.345 ↗ Competitive Grant Hard ~100h to apply
IRF

FY25 Nigeria Documentation and Accountability for Religious Freedom Abuses

🏛 Office of International Religious Freedom

⏰ Deadline
Jul 9, 2026 in 33 days
💰 Award amount
$3.5M – $3.5M
🎯 Expected awards
1 recipient
📍 Scope
International

Can you apply?

This grant is for organizations working to document and report religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. U.S.-based nonprofits, human rights organizations, faith-based groups, and research institutions can apply. Projects must focus on accountability, advocacy, and memorialization of abuses. International organizations with U.S. presence may be eligible; consult the NOFO for full details.

The grant supports work that improves documentation and reporting systems. Acceptable activities include data collection, investigation, public reporting, and advocacy efforts. Projects should contribute to justice and accountability mechanisms.

Funding is limited to Nigeria-focused work. Organizations must demonstrate expertise in documentation, human rights, or religious freedom advocacy. Partnerships with Nigerian or international organizations are encouraged.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

This grant is for organizations working to document and report religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. U.S.-based nonprofits, human rights organizations, faith-based groups, and research institutions can apply. Projects must focus on accountability, advocacy, and memorialization of abuses. International organizations with U.S. presence may be eligible; consult the NOFO for full details.

The grant supports work that improves documentation and reporting systems. Acceptable activities include data collection, investigation, public reporting, and advocacy efforts. Projects should contribute to justice and accountability mechanisms.

Funding is limited to Nigeria-focused work. Organizations must demonstrate expertise in documentation, human rights, or religious freedom advocacy. Partnerships with Nigerian or international organizations are encouraged.

Program description

The Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, for the purposes of accountability, advocacy, and memorialization.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Demographic focus

Details

This grant is for organizations working to document and report religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. U.S.-based nonprofits, human rights organizations, faith-based groups, and research institutions can apply. Projects must focus on accountability, advocacy, and memorialization of abuses. International organizations with U.S. presence may be eligible; consult the NOFO for full details.

The grant supports work that improves documentation and reporting systems. Acceptable activities include data collection, investigation, public reporting, and advocacy efforts. Projects should contribute to justice and accountability mechanisms.

Funding is limited to Nigeria-focused work. Organizations must demonstrate expertise in documentation, human rights, or religious freedom advocacy. Partnerships with Nigerian or international organizations are encouraged.

How to apply

Application links

Key dates & requirements

Required documents

  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • Project Narrative (refer to NOFO for page limits)
  • Budget and Budget Narrative
  • Organizational Background and Capacity Statement
  • Letters of Partnership or Commitment (if applicable)
  • Proof of Nonprofit Status (501(c)(3) or equivalent)

Program contact

  • 👤 Office of International Religious Freedom
  • 📞 771-204-0446

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 19.345 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

42
awards (3 yrs)
$1.6B
total funded
23
unique recipients
$37.2M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $315,860,780
  2. $315,249,800
  3. $315,000,000
  4. $300,000,000
  5. $169,139,219
  6. $41,873,445
  7. $25,316,509
  8. $25,249,252
  9. $18,266,765
  10. $10,254,124

Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

U.S.-based organizations, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions can apply. Consult Section B.1 of the NOFO for specific eligibility criteria and any restrictions.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects that document, report, and advocate around religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. Work supporting accountability and memorialization is prioritized.

What is the deadline?

The application deadline is July 9, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.

What is the funding amount?

This grant provides $3,500,000 per award. No cost-sharing is required.

Do I need a Letter of Intent?

Check the NOFO for LOI requirements. Most State Department grants require preliminary submissions before full applications.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Focus your project narrowly on Nigeria-specific documentation and accountability work. Demonstrate clear expertise in this geographic and thematic area.
  • Build partnerships with local Nigerian organizations or international human rights groups working in-country. This strengthens credibility and impact.
  • Clearly explain how your documentation efforts will support advocacy, memorialization, or accountability processes. Vague goals will weaken your application.
  • Address security and ethical concerns openly. Explain how you'll protect sources and conduct sensitive human rights documentation safely.
  • Use concrete examples of past work documenting abuses or supporting accountability. Generic proposals about "improving documentation" will not be competitive.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Proposals that lack clear connection to Nigeria or focus on other countries. Weak or missing partnerships with local organizations in Nigeria. Vague goals without concrete metrics or accountability mechanisms. Insufficient attention to security, ethics, and source protection in sensitive documentation work. Unrealistic budgets or unclear cost justification for the $3.5M award.

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