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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Previous opportunity: Indian Highway Safety Grant - Lifesavers Conference
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DFOP0017721
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0017721", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.