Program to End Modern Slavery Annual Program Statement

The Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS), administered by the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, is a strategic funding framework designed to develop, test, and scale evidence-based anti-trafficking interventions. The program focuses on the prosecution, protection, and prevention of human trafficking to advance U.S. national security, economic competitiveness, and efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Funding is available for projects lasting between 12 and 72 months, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $8,000,000 out of a total available pool of $25 million. Anticipated program start dates are scheduled for April through July 2027. Eligible applicants, including foreign NGOs, must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and active SAM.gov registration. Proposals are evaluated on a point-based system focusing on program feasibility, organizational capacity, ability to achieve objectives, monitoring and evaluation plans, budget realism, and sustainability. High priority is given to projects aligned with the National Security Strategy, the FY 2026-2030 Department of State Agency Strategic Plan, and the annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Required application materials include a maximum 10-page proposal in 14-point Times New Roman font, budget justification, key personnel resumes, and letters of support from sub-awardees. Applications are submitted via grants.gov with deadlines on September 30 and December 31.