Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0007420

The DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0007420) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) focused on advancing Internet freedom worldwide. Rather than immediately requesting full proposals, DRL first seeks a Statement of Interest (SOI) through a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI). In practical terms, this is an early-stage intake process where organizations briefly describe program concepts that could later be invited for fuller development, with the overall aim of supporting an open and rights-respecting online environment.

The central purpose of the opportunity is to help protect an Internet that is open, interoperable, secure, and reliable, aligning with the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace. DRL frames Internet freedom as tightly connected to fundamental freedoms and human rights, especially the free flow of information online. The programs envisioned under this announcement are meant to strengthen civil society and the broader ecosystem that defends digital rights, counters censorship and repression, and improves the safety and resilience of people and groups operating in hostile digital environments.

DRL highlights several major areas it is interested in supporting, and SOI submissions are expected to reflect one or more of these themes. These include technology-focused efforts (such as tools or technical approaches that enable secure access to information or resist censorship), digital safety initiatives (including training, incident response, risk reduction, and protective practices for at-risk users), policy and advocacy work (supporting efforts that promote rights-respecting Internet governance and oppose restrictive laws or practices), and applied research (generating practical, actionable analysis to inform civil society, advocates, and policymakers). The common thread across these areas is integrated support to civil society, meaning DRL is looking for programs that have clear real-world utility and strengthen the capacity of actors working on the front lines of online rights and information freedom.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is issued as a grant under CFDA number 19.345, with an award ceiling listed at $3,000,000. The posting lists "Expected Awards: 0," which can indicate uncertainty about the number of awards at the time of announcement or that funding decisions will depend on the quality of submissions and available resources. The opportunity was created on November 18, 2020, with an original closing date of March 5, 2021. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in a separate section of the full announcement, signaling that a range of organizational types may be considered depending on the specific criteria in the full notice.

Overall, this announcement is best understood as DRL's annual call for strong, rights-centered concepts that help people communicate, organize, and access information safely online, especially in environments where governments or other actors attempt to surveil, censor, or disrupt digital civic space. Organizations responding are expected to outline a concept that clearly advances Internet freedom, fits within one of DRL's stated program categories, and demonstrates how the proposed work would protect human rights and the free flow of information in the digital realm.

  • The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Nov 18, 2020.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 05, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
Apply for SFOP0007420

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FY 2021 TechWomen Program Apply for SFOP0007428

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DRL FY2020: Promoting the Rights and Reintegration of Young Moroccans During and After Detention Apply for SFOP0007443

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Funding Number: DOS HRE FY2021
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