Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0018502
The Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0018502) is a discretionary Notice of Funding Opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the government expects to have substantial involvement during the project period (for example, collaboration on plans, coordination, or oversight as work progresses). The program is intended to bolster law enforcement capabilities to counter online recruitment efforts by U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), with awards dependent on the availability of funds.
The core problem this opportunity targets is the growing shift of terrorist recruitment and radicalization activity into digital spaces, which makes investigations and intervention more complicated, especially when communications, platforms, and actors operate across borders. The State Department notes that U.S.-designated FTOs include a range of actors such as jihadist networks, drug cartels, and individual extremists, all of whom may use online ecosystems to spread violent ideologies, inspire attacks, and identify or groom potential recruits. A key concern highlighted in the description is that emerging technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence, are increasing the speed, scale, and persuasiveness of recruitment content and outreach, potentially improving how these groups target specific populations.
In practical terms, the NOFO is meant to support projects that help law enforcement counter FTO recruitment online. While the public description does not list specific project activities, the emphasis suggests support could include capacity building, technical assistance, analytical methods, training, and approaches that improve detection, investigation, and disruption of recruitment pipelines in online environments. The focus is on countering recruitment by U.S.-designated FTOs rather than broader online harms, and the law-enforcement support angle implies outcomes tied to investigative effectiveness, cross-border complexity, and the technology-driven evolution of recruitment tactics.
Eligibility is broad and listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide set of applicants can apply. Eligible organization types include not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), public and private educational institutions, for-profit organizations, Public International Organizations, and governmental institutions. The opportunity is cataloged under CFDA (now often referenced as Assistance Listing) 19.701, and the funding activity category is labeled "Other," signaling it does not fit neatly into a single standard program area such as health or education.
Key administrative details include an original closing date of July 27, 2026, and an award ceiling of $4,933,399. The posting indicates expected awards as 0, which can reflect uncertainty at the time of listing (for example, pending funds or an undetermined number of awards). The opportunity was created on June 22, 2026.Apply for DFOP0018502
- The Bureau of Counterterrorism in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.701.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-22.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-07-27. (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 $4,933,399.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
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Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online (DFOP0018502) - FAQs
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Countering Terrorist Recruitment Online.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DFOP0018502.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This is a discretionary Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism.
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement.
What does "cooperative agreement" mean for applicants and awardees?
A cooperative agreement typically means the U.S. Government expects substantial involvement during the project period. Based on the description, that can include collaboration on plans, coordination, and/or oversight as the work progresses.
What problem is this program trying to address?
The program targets the increasing shift of terrorist recruitment and radicalization into digital spaces, which complicates investigations and intervention, particularly when platforms, communications, and actors operate across borders.
What is the main goal of the program?
The stated intent is to bolster law enforcement capabilities to counter online recruitment efforts by U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
Who are the recruitment actors this program is focused on?
The focus is on recruitment by U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The description notes these can include a range of actors such as jihadist networks, drug cartels, and individual extremists that use online ecosystems to spread violent ideologies, inspire attacks, and identify or groom potential recruits.
Does this opportunity address online harms in general?
No. Based on the description, the focus is specifically on countering recruitment by U.S.-designated FTOs, rather than broader categories of online harm.
Why does the NOFO mention generative artificial intelligence?
The description highlights emerging technologies, especially generative AI, as a key concern because they can increase the speed, scale, and persuasiveness of recruitment content and outreach, potentially improving how groups target specific populations.
What kinds of projects does the NOFO appear intended to support?
While specific activities are not listed in the public description, the emphasis suggests projects may involve things like capacity building, technical assistance, analytical methods, training, and approaches that improve the detection, investigation, and disruption of online recruitment pipelines.
Who is the primary intended beneficiary or end user of supported work?
The description indicates the program is intended to support law enforcement capabilities, implying outcomes tied to investigative effectiveness and navigating cross-border and technology-driven recruitment tactics.
Is eligibility restricted to a narrow set of applicants?
No. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant types may apply.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligible organization types listed include:
- Not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations)
- Public and private educational institutions
- For-profit organizations
- Public International Organizations
- Governmental institutions
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA/Assistance Listing 19.701.
What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is labeled "Other", indicating it does not fit neatly into a single standard program area (such as health or education).
What is the application closing date?
The original closing date listed is July 27, 2026.
When was this opportunity created or posted?
The opportunity was created on June 22, 2026.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $4,933,399.
How many awards are expected?
The posting indicates expected awards: 0. In listings, this can reflect uncertainty at the time of posting (for example, funding availability is pending or the number of awards is undetermined).
Is funding guaranteed if an application is submitted?
No. The description notes that awards are dependent on the availability of funds.
Does the opportunity explicitly describe required project activities or deliverables?
No. The public description does not list specific project activities or deliverables; it mainly provides the problem statement, the focus on law-enforcement support, and the emphasis on countering online recruitment by U.S.-designated FTOs.
What kind of operational challenges is this NOFO meant to help address?
Based on the description, the challenges include the cross-border nature of online communications and platforms, the complexity of digital investigations and interventions, and the rapid evolution of recruitment tactics driven by new technologies (including generative AI).
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