Global Rapid Response Fund for Advancing Fundamental Freedoms

The U.S. Department of State Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor is soliciting proposals for the Global Rapid Response Fund for Advancing Fundamental Freedoms. This cooperative agreement is designed to fund timely, short-term interventions that address unexpected policy challenges, political opportunities, and threats to fundamental freedoms and democratic values. The program emphasizes cost-effectiveness and high impact by prioritizing interventions led by organizations rooted within the affected communities and countries. The total available funding for the anticipated single award is $9,569,050. Applicants must adhere to strict submission guidelines, including electronic filing via MyGrants or Grants.gov by the August 31, 2026, deadline. Organizations are required to have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), though individuals are exempt from these requirements. Proposals must include a variety of specific documents, such as a 15-page narrative, a logic model, a monitoring and evaluation plan, a budget narrative, and a timeline. Financial compliance is governed by 2 CFR 200, and applicants must provide detailed budgets using approved OMB cost categories. Additionally, recipients must comply with specific federal mandates, including branding requirements for U.S. Government assistance, annual trafficking in persons compliance certifications, and restrictions on the use of certain unmanned aircraft systems.