Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005428
The FY 2018 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0005428) is a discretionary grant opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). It is structured as a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI), meaning DRL is first asking organizations to submit brief concept-level Statements of Interest (SOIs) that describe proposed program ideas. The purpose is to identify strong, relevant concepts that could advance U.S. foreign policy objectives related to Internet freedom, with the expectation that selected applicants may be invited to develop more detailed proposals later, depending on DRL processes and available funding.
At its core, the opportunity is aimed at protecting and strengthening an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet worldwide. DRL frames this goal as part of the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace and emphasizes that Internet freedom is closely tied to fundamental freedoms and internationally recognized human rights. The program focus is not limited to technology alone; it explicitly connects technical work to broader outcomes such as protecting free expression online, enabling the free flow of information, supporting civic space in digital environments, and helping civil society operate safely and effectively under conditions of censorship, surveillance, and digital repression.
DRL indicates that it is interested in integrated support to civil society across several complementary areas. These areas include technology development or deployment that helps users access information or communicate securely, digital safety initiatives that improve operational security and resilience for activists, journalists, and at-risk communities, policy and advocacy efforts that defend rights-respecting Internet governance and push back on restrictive laws or norms, and applied research that generates practical insights into threats to Internet freedom and the effectiveness of interventions. The way the opportunity is described suggests DRL is looking for proposals that connect these elements in a coherent strategy rather than treating them as isolated activities, for example pairing tool support with training and user protection, or combining research findings with advocacy and practical assistance.
The award instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling listed at $3,000,000. The opportunity lists an expected awards figure of 0, which generally signals that the notice is primarily a solicitation for concepts at the SOI stage and does not guarantee awards, or that the number of eventual awards is not specified in the public listing. The opportunity falls under CFDA 19.345, and it was posted on October 4, 2018 with an original closing date of February 8, 2019, giving prospective applicants a multi-month window to prepare and submit a statement of interest during that cycle.
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, which typically means DRL may consider a range of organizations such as nonprofits, NGOs, academic institutions, and potentially other entities that can credibly implement international programming in the Internet freedom and human rights space. In practical terms, applicants are expected to submit an SOI that outlines a clear program concept aligned with DRL's objective: strengthening Internet freedom by advancing human rights online and supporting civil society through technology, safety, advocacy, and applied research.Apply for SFOP0005428
- 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 2018 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 04, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 08, 2019. (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).
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FAQs: FY 2018 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement (SFOP0005428)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) titled the "FY 2018 DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement." The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0005428.
Is this a full proposal request or a concept paper stage?
It is structured as a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI). DRL is asking for brief, concept-level Statements of Interest (SOIs) describing proposed program ideas. Strong concepts may be invited to submit more detailed proposals later, depending on DRL processes and available funding.
What is a Statement of Interest (SOI) in this context?
An SOI is a brief, concept-level submission that explains a proposed program idea and how it aligns with DRL's Internet freedom objectives. It is not described as a full technical proposal in the information provided.
What is the main goal of the program?
The opportunity aims to protect and strengthen an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet worldwide. DRL links this goal to Internet freedom, fundamental freedoms, and internationally recognized human rights.
How does DRL connect Internet freedom to human rights?
DRL frames Internet freedom as closely tied to fundamental freedoms and internationally recognized human rights, including protecting free expression online, enabling the free flow of information, and supporting civic space in digital environments.
Is the program focused only on technology?
No. While technology development or deployment is included, DRL explicitly connects technical work to broader outcomes such as civil society protection, safe operations under censorship and surveillance, and advancing rights-respecting governance and norms.
What types of activities or program areas does DRL say it is interested in?
DRL describes interest in integrated support to civil society across complementary areas, including: (1) technology development or deployment that helps users access information or communicate securely, (2) digital safety initiatives to improve operational security and resilience for activists, journalists, and at-risk communities, (3) policy and advocacy to defend rights-respecting Internet governance and push back on restrictive laws or norms, and (4) applied research that generates practical insights into threats to Internet freedom and the effectiveness of interventions.
Does DRL prefer integrated projects or standalone activities?
The description suggests DRL is looking for concepts that connect these elements in a coherent strategy rather than treating them as isolated activities. Examples given include pairing tool support with training and user protection, or combining research findings with advocacy and practical assistance.
Who is this program intended to support?
The opportunity emphasizes supporting civil society operating under conditions of censorship, surveillance, and digital repression. It specifically references beneficiaries such as activists, journalists, and at-risk communities in the context of digital safety and resilience.
What is the award instrument?
The award instrument is a grant.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The listed award ceiling is $3,000,000.
How many awards are expected?
The opportunity lists an expected awards figure of 0. Based on the description provided, this generally signals that the notice is primarily soliciting concepts at the SOI stage and does not guarantee awards, or that the number of eventual awards is not specified in the public listing.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under CFDA 19.345.
When was the opportunity posted?
It was posted on October 4, 2018.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date listed is February 8, 2019.
What is the application window described for that cycle?
Based on the posted date (October 4, 2018) and the original closing date (February 8, 2019), applicants had a multi-month window during that cycle to prepare and submit an SOI.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement. This typically indicates DRL may consider a range of organizations such as nonprofits, NGOs, academic institutions, and potentially other entities capable of implementing international programming in Internet freedom and human rights.
Does this opportunity guarantee funding if an SOI is submitted?
No guarantee is stated. The SOI process is described as a way for DRL to identify strong, relevant concepts that could advance U.S. foreign policy objectives related to Internet freedom, with the possibility of being invited to develop a more detailed proposal later, depending on DRL processes and available funding.
What should an SOI emphasize to align with DRL's interests?
The information provided indicates an SOI should outline a clear program concept aligned with strengthening Internet freedom by advancing human rights online and supporting civil society through a combination of technology, digital safety, advocacy, and applied research, ideally tied together into a coherent strategy.
What broader policy context does DRL reference for this work?
DRL frames its goal as part of the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace and positions Internet freedom as a key component of broader U.S. foreign policy objectives.
What kinds of challenges is the program intended to address?
The opportunity highlights challenges such as censorship, surveillance, and digital repression, and it emphasizes helping civil society operate safely and effectively under those conditions.
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