Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0006232
The FY 2020 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0006232) is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). Rather than asking for full proposals up front, DRL is first requesting Statements of Interest (SOIs) through a formal Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI). In practical terms, this means applicants are expected to submit concise concept-level applications that describe what they would do, why it matters, who it would help, and how it advances Internet freedom, with the understanding that selected concepts may be invited to develop more complete proposals later.
The central purpose of the opportunity is to protect and strengthen an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet by promoting fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online. DRL frames this work as aligned with the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace and emphasizes support to civil society. The grant is aimed at initiatives that help people safely access, share, and create information online, particularly in environments where governments or other powerful actors restrict speech, surveil users, censor content, or disrupt connectivity. The program is fundamentally rights-based, tying technology and cybersecurity work to real-world civic space, free expression, and human rights outcomes.
DRL highlights four broad and connected areas of interest. First is technology support, which can include developing, improving, testing, or scaling tools that help users maintain access to information and communicate securely, especially under censorship or network interference. Second is digital safety, focused on protecting at-risk users and organizations through security training, threat mitigation, incident response capacity, and safer operational practices, recognizing that digital attacks often translate into physical, legal, or economic harms. Third is policy and advocacy, which can involve strengthening legal and policy environments for Internet freedom, building coalitions, supporting evidence-based advocacy, and countering restrictive laws and norms that undermine free expression and privacy. Fourth is applied research, meaning practical research that produces usable insights for defenders, technologists, advocates, and policymakers, such as measuring censorship trends, documenting digital repression tactics, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, or generating data that supports accountability and reform.
Key logistics included an original posting (creation) date of October 24, 2019, with an original closing date of March 6, 2020. The listed award ceiling is $3,000,000, indicating that DRL anticipated potentially large awards for strong concepts, although the notice also shows "Expected Awards: 0," which often reflects an administrative placeholder in the listing rather than a definitive statement that no awards will be made. The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 19.345 and uses a funding instrument type labeled "Other," along with a funding activity category also labeled "Other," both of which signal that applicants should rely on the opportunity text and DRL guidance to understand how awards may be structured and what specific program category DRL intends.
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with the note that additional eligibility details are provided in the full announcement. Generally, DRL Internet freedom opportunities attract a mix of nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, research organizations, and other entities capable of delivering technical, advocacy, safety, and research programming with credible partners and strong risk management. Overall, the SOI should present a clear, realistic program concept that connects directly to DRL's Internet freedom goals, demonstrates an understanding of the threat environment faced by civil society online, and explains how the proposed work will measurably improve secure access to information, rights-respecting technology use, or policy conditions that protect online freedoms.Apply for SFOP0006232
- The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2020 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement" 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 Oct 24, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 06, 2020. (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 $3,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY 2020 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement (SFOP0006232) - FAQs
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) titled the FY 2020 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement. The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0006232.
Is DRL requesting full proposals right away?
No. DRL is first requesting Statements of Interest (SOIs) through a formal Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI). Applicants are expected to submit concise, concept-level applications first, and selected concepts may be invited to develop more complete proposals later.
What is a Statement of Interest (SOI) in this context?
An SOI is a concept-level submission that explains what you would do, why it matters, who it would help, and how the proposed work advances Internet freedom. It is meant to be concise and focused on the core program idea rather than a full, detailed proposal.
What is the central purpose of this program?
The program aims to protect and strengthen an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet by promoting fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online, with an emphasis on supporting civil society.
How does DRL frame "Internet freedom" for this opportunity?
DRL frames Internet freedom as rights-based work that connects technology and cybersecurity to real-world outcomes such as civic space, free expression, privacy, and broader human rights protections, particularly where online restrictions and abuses are common.
Who is this program intended to help?
The opportunity is geared toward helping people and organizations safely access, share, and create information online, especially in environments where governments or other powerful actors restrict speech, surveil users, censor content, or disrupt connectivity.
What types of problems or threats is DRL trying to address through this funding?
DRL highlights challenges such as censorship, network interference, surveillance, content restriction, and connectivity disruptions. It also recognizes that digital attacks can lead to physical, legal, or economic harms for at-risk users and organizations.
What program areas does DRL prioritize?
DRL identifies four connected areas of interest: technology support, digital safety, policy and advocacy, and applied research.
What counts as "technology support" under this opportunity?
Technology support can include developing, improving, testing, scaling, or otherwise supporting tools that help users maintain access to information and communicate securely, particularly under censorship or network interference.
What does DRL mean by "digital safety"?
Digital safety focuses on protecting at-risk users and organizations through activities like security training, threat mitigation, incident response capacity, and safer operational practices, acknowledging that online threats can have serious offline consequences.
What does "policy and advocacy" cover in this program?
Policy and advocacy work may include strengthening legal and policy environments for Internet freedom, building coalitions, supporting evidence-based advocacy, and countering restrictive laws and norms that undermine free expression and privacy.
What is meant by "applied research" in the DRL Internet freedom context?
Applied research refers to practical research that produces usable insights for defenders, technologists, advocates, and policymakers. Examples described include measuring censorship trends, documenting digital repression tactics, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and generating data that supports accountability and reform.
Does DRL emphasize any particular approach or values?
Yes. The program is described as fundamentally rights-based and focused on fundamental freedoms and human rights online, including the free flow of information and support to civil society.
How does this opportunity relate to U.S. government strategy?
DRL describes the work as aligned with the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace and emphasizes Internet freedom programming that supports civil society and human rights outcomes.
What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?
The original posting (creation) date is October 24, 2019, and the original closing date is March 6, 2020.
What is the maximum award size?
The listed award ceiling is $3,000,000, indicating DRL anticipated potentially large awards for strong concepts.
The listing says "Expected Awards: 0." Does that mean no awards will be made?
Not necessarily. The notice indicates that "Expected Awards: 0" often reflects an administrative placeholder in the listing rather than a definitive statement that no awards will be made.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 19.345.
What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is labeled "Other."
What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is also labeled "Other."
What does it mean that the instrument type and activity category are labeled "Other"?
These labels signal that applicants should rely on the opportunity text and DRL guidance to understand how awards may be structured and what specific program category DRL intends.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with a note that additional eligibility details are provided in the full announcement.
What kinds of organizations typically pursue DRL Internet freedom opportunities?
Based on how DRL Internet freedom opportunities are commonly positioned, they often attract a mix of nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, research organizations, and other entities capable of delivering technical, advocacy, safety, and research programming with credible partners and strong risk management.
What should an SOI emphasize to fit DRL's priorities?
The SOI should present a clear, realistic program concept that connects directly to DRL's Internet freedom goals, demonstrates an understanding of the threat environment faced by civil society online, and explains how the work will measurably improve secure access to information, rights-respecting technology use, or policy conditions that protect online freedoms.
What kinds of outcomes does DRL appear to be looking for?
Based on the description, DRL is interested in measurable improvements such as safer and more secure access to information, stronger capacity to communicate securely, reduced impact of censorship or surveillance on at-risk communities, and policy conditions that better protect online freedoms like free expression and privacy.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Region 7 Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program- State Fish and Wildlife Agency Only
Previous opportunity: Susquehanna National Heritage Area
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 SFOP0006232
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0006232) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation 2020 Large Grants Program Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY20 02 AFCP Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY20 02 AFCP Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Leveraging the Arts for Empowerment Apply for DOS DBN 202001 Funding Number: DOS DBN 202001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $115,000 |
| The AFCP 2020 Small Grants Competition Apply for DOS PTA AFCPS20 Funding Number: DOS PTA AFCPS20 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| The AFCP Large Grants Program Apply for DOS PTA AFCPL20 Funding Number: DOS PTA AFCPL20 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| 2020 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation – Small Grants (Cameroon) Apply for PAS CMR FY20 01 Funding Number: PAS CMR FY20 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| American Film Showcase: Film for Human Rights Apply for DOS PTA 202003 Funding Number: DOS PTA 202003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to South Africa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| DEMOCRACY COMMISSION SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for 001 FY2020 Funding Number: 001 FY2020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Ambassadors Funds for Cultural Preservation 2020 Apply for PASCONAKRY AFCP FY20 Funding Number: PASCONAKRY AFCP FY20 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guinea Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S. Mission in Morocco Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY20 01 Funding Number: PAS MOROCCO FY20 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Morocco Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Request for Information - Strategic Communications Services - USAID/Mexico Apply for 72052320RFI00001 Funding Number: 72052320RFI00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Mexico USAID-Mexico City Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 Alumni Small Grants Competition Apply for SVM700 20 PAS 008 Funding Number: SVM700 20 PAS 008 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Yaounde PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS CMR FY20 02 Funding Number: PAS CMR FY20 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: Collaboration and Colocation between the USGS CMWSC and the Univeristy of Illinois Apply for USGS 20 FA 0263 Funding Number: USGS 20 FA 0263 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,808,648 |
| 2020 CTR Enforcing Sanctions Against the DPRK's WMD Program Apply for SFOP0006239 Funding Number: SFOP0006239 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Global Nuclear Threat Reduction Activities Apply for SFOP0006242 Funding Number: SFOP0006242 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Global Chemical Security Engagement Activities Apply for SFOP0006244 Funding Number: SFOP0006244 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Global Biosecurity Engagement Activities Apply for SFOP0006243 Funding Number: SFOP0006243 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Securing WMD Expertise at Higher Education Institutions Apply for SFOP0006247 Funding Number: SFOP0006247 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Countering Threats from Acquisition or Misuse of Emerging and Advanced Technologies for WMD and WMD-Related Delivery Systems Apply for SFOP0006248 Funding Number: SFOP0006248 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 CTR Preventing the Transfer of Proliferation Sensitive Technology to Iran Apply for SFOP0006246 Funding Number: SFOP0006246 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "SFOP0006232", 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.