International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance

Background
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a program to provide emergency financial assistance to victims of religious persecution and defenders of religious freedom.

IRF promotes religious freedom as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy, guided by its statutory mandate established by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The program aims to support individuals facing severe violations of religious freedom globally.

Grant Details
The program will provide emergency financial assistance to individuals who have recently experienced persecution based on their religion. This includes assistance for threats of violence, medical needs resulting from violent assaults, legal representation, and replacement of equipment damaged or confiscated due to harassment.

The outcomes expected from the program include timely and secure provision of assistance, monitoring and verification that funds are used appropriately, prioritization based on recent emergencies, and maintaining a network for broad geographic coverage to assist victims globally.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs (with or without 501(c)(3) status), private/public/state institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations or businesses, foreign-based non-profit organizations/NGOs, and public international organizations. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and be registered in SAM.gov.

Period of Performance
The performance period is expected to last between 36 to 48 months with projects proposed to be completed in 48 months or less.

Grant Value
The total value available for this grant opportunity is $4,853,409 pending availability of funds. The anticipated award amount is also $4,853,409.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed globally, particularly in areas designated as Countries of Particular Concern or on the Special Watch List due to systematic violations of religious freedom.