Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0017721
The International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance opportunity is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant competition run through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), specifically its Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF). The program is designed to deliver rapid, emergency financial assistance to people directly affected by religious persecution and to individuals or groups defending religious freedom. In practical terms, the fund supports urgent, short-notice needs that arise when someone is targeted, threatened, attacked, detained, displaced, or otherwise harmed because of their religion or beliefs, or because they are advocating for the right to believe and practice freely.
This opportunity is offered under a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Department of State expects substantial involvement during the life of the award (for example, collaboration on implementation approaches, oversight, reporting expectations, and potentially coordination on sensitive cases). The funding activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting the emergency-assistance nature of the program rather than a traditional sector label. The associated CFDA (now often referenced as Assistance Listing) number is 19.345.
The government anticipates making a single award under this solicitation, with an award ceiling of $4,853,409. That ceiling represents the maximum potential federal funding level for the award, and the single expected award suggests the Department may be looking for one primary implementer capable of operating an emergency assistance mechanism at scale, including intake, vetting, disbursement, documentation, and compliance controls. The opportunity was created on January 14, 2026, and the application deadline (original closing date) is March 16, 2026.
Eligibility is broad and includes multiple organization types. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs (with or without formal 501(c)(3) status), private/public/state institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations or businesses, foreign-based nonprofit organizations/NGOs, and public international organizations. This wide eligibility range indicates the Department is open to selecting whichever applicant can most credibly and securely deliver emergency aid in difficult environments, including organizations with international reach, specialized protection programming, or established networks capable of identifying and assisting victims quickly while managing risk.
For reference and tracking, the official opportunity title is "International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance" and the funding opportunity number is DFOP0017721. The awarding agency is identified as the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.Apply for DFOP0017721
- The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance" 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 2026-01-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-16. (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 $4,853,409.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance opportunity?
The International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance opportunity is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant competition. It is run through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), specifically DRL's Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF).
What is the purpose of I-REFF Emergency Assistance?
The program is designed to deliver rapid, emergency financial assistance to (1) people directly affected by religious persecution and (2) individuals or groups defending religious freedom. It focuses on urgent, short-notice needs tied to harm or threats related to religion or beliefs, or related to advocating for the right to believe and practice freely.
Who is the awarding agency and which office is responsible for this opportunity?
The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). The opportunity is managed by DRL's Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF).
What kinds of situations does the fund support?
Based on the description provided, I-REFF supports urgent needs that arise when someone is targeted, threatened, attacked, detained, displaced, or otherwise harmed because of their religion or beliefs, or because they are advocating for religious freedom.
Is this opportunity a grant or a cooperative agreement?
This opportunity is offered under a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically means the Department of State expects substantial involvement during the life of the award. The description indicates this can include collaboration on implementation approaches, oversight, reporting expectations, and potentially coordination on sensitive cases.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting the emergency-assistance nature of the program rather than a traditional sector label.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The associated CFDA (often referenced as an Assistance Listing) number is 19.345.
How many awards does the government expect to make?
The government anticipates making a single award under this solicitation.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling is $4,853,409. This ceiling represents the maximum potential federal funding level for the award.
What does the single expected award suggest about the implementation approach?
Because only one award is anticipated, the description suggests the Department of State may be seeking one primary implementer capable of operating an emergency assistance mechanism at scale, including intake, vetting, disbursement, documentation, and compliance controls.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on January 14, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline (original closing date) is March 16, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes the following organization types: U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs (with or without formal 501(c)(3) status), private/public/state institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations or businesses, foreign-based nonprofit organizations/NGOs, and public international organizations.
Do U.S.-based nonprofits need to have 501(c)(3) status to apply?
No. The eligibility description states that U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and NGOs may apply with or without formal 501(c)(3) status.
Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. For-profit organizations or businesses are listed as eligible applicants.
Are foreign-based organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. Foreign-based nonprofit organizations/NGOs are listed as eligible applicants.
Are public international organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. Public international organizations are included in the eligibility list.
Are colleges and universities eligible to apply?
Yes. Private, public, and state institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.
What is the official title of the funding opportunity?
The official opportunity title is "International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance."
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is DFOP0017721.
What is I-REFF intended to provide in practical terms?
In practical terms, the fund supports urgent, short-notice needs through rapid emergency financial assistance for people affected by religious persecution and for those defending religious freedom.
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