Preventing Terrorist Recruitment of Youth Online

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) is offering a funding opportunity titled “Preventing Terrorist Recruitment of Youth Online” under the opportunity number DFOP0017314. This opportunity aims to counter the rising threat of youth radicalization and recruitment by terrorist organizations through online platforms, including social media and online gaming environments. The Department has observed an increase in the use of these technologies for extremist recruitment, with platforms like Discord and DLive being used to communicate with and radicalize youth. Incidents involving minors, including children as young as eleven, have highlighted the urgent need for international engagement and proactive intervention strategies. Funded through the FY24 Economic Support Funds (ESF), this initiative has a total available funding of $1,726,689 and anticipates up to one cooperative agreement award, with a ceiling of $1,750,000. The program duration is up to 24 months, with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2025. The Department seeks proposals that reduce the availability of terrorist content online and equip vulnerable communities—particularly youth, educators, and local institutions—with tools and training to recognize and counter terrorist threats. Activities may include technical interventions, training sessions, community engagement, and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and open-source intelligence (OSINT). Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society groups, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and government institutions. Individuals are not eligible. Although cost sharing is encouraged, it is not a requirement, nor will it influence competitive ranking. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration at the time of application submission. The grant application process must be completed electronically via Grants.gov or MyGrants, and mandatory application forms include the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. The application deadline is August 7, 2025, with a Q&A deadline for submission-related questions set for July 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. The proposal should include a summary, logic model, theory of change, performance monitoring plan (PMP), and a detailed budget justification narrative. Key documents required for submission include personnel CVs, letters of support from partners, risk analysis, recent audits or financial statements, and NICRA documentation if indirect costs are included. Templates and guidance will be provided for logic models, PMPs, and the Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT), which must be updated quarterly. Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the program idea, alignment with CT Functional Bureau Strategy goals, organizational capacity and past performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The review process involves an independent review panel, risk assessment based on financial and program history, and final approval by a Department of State Grants Officer. The opportunity is not limited to specific U.S. states and is open globally, with priority regions determined by applicants or identified through proposed assessments. Applicants may contact corsonkl@state.gov for program-related inquiries. Technical assistance for Grants.gov or MyGrants registration is available through their respective help desks. Post-award reporting requirements include quarterly updates using CT’s reporting templates, and site visits may be conducted to verify implementation progress and financial integrity. The Department of State’s standard terms, conditions, and applicable 2 CFR policies apply to all awards.

Use CT templates and formatting guidance; ensure alignment with Bureau goals and strong justification for activities