Response to Victims of Trafficking in Persons | OFOP0001363

Opportunity Information: Apply for OFOP0001363

The U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is soliciting proposals for a project called "Response to Victims of Trafficking in Persons" (Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0001363). This is a discretionary funding opportunity structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the awardee should expect ongoing coordination with the U.S. government during implementation rather than operating with complete independence. The program sits in the Law, Justice, and Legal Services category (CFDA 19.705) and is focused specifically on El Salvador.

The central aim is to strengthen the Salvadoran justice system's ability to combat trafficking in persons (TIP) while improving how survivors and victims are treated throughout justice-sector processes. A key theme is trauma-informed practice: the project is meant to help justice institutions recognize trafficking indicators, investigate cases appropriately, and pursue accountability in ways that avoid causing additional harm, re-traumatization, or unnecessary burdens on victims and survivors. In practical terms, this typically points to improvements in victim-centered identification and referral, safer and more sensitive interview practices, better coordination among investigators, prosecutors, and victim service actors, and stronger institutional capacity to build TIP cases without relying on approaches that expose victims to further risk.

INL anticipates making one award, with an expected maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $500,000. The competition originally closed on July 16, 2024, and the opportunity was posted on May 16, 2024. Because only one award is expected, applications are effectively competing for a single funded slot, which usually raises the importance of presenting a clear, credible implementation plan and demonstrating strong relevant experience in trafficking response, justice-sector support, and survivor-centered programming.

Eligibility is open to a range of organizational types, including U.S.-based nonprofit/non-governmental organizations and U.S.-based educational institutions that qualify under 501(c)(3) or the relevant U.S. tax code provision (the notice references section 26 USC 115). Foreign-based nonprofit/NGO applicants and foreign-based educational institutions are also eligible. Overall, the opportunity targets implementers that can work credibly with justice institutions and related partners in El Salvador, with an emphasis on institutional strengthening that improves TIP investigations and survivor support while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Response to Victims of Trafficking in Persons" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.705.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-16. (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 $500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for OFOP0001363

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