Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Legal and Financial Disruption Program

The Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Legal and Financial Disruption Program is a funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Counterterrorism. The Bureau of Counterterrorism is responsible for coordinating U.S. government efforts to counter terrorism globally, working with foreign governments, international organizations, and civil society to build capacity, strengthen legal frameworks, and disrupt terrorist networks. This particular program aligns with the 2025 National Security Strategy and the Department’s broader strategic objectives to enhance regional security and protect U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere. The primary purpose of this program is to strengthen the ability of partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to hold Foreign Terrorist Organizations accountable. The initiative focuses specifically on improving legal frameworks and disrupting financial networks that support terrorism. By enhancing investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial capabilities, the program seeks to ensure that terrorism cases are effectively pursued and adjudicated. A strong emphasis is placed on dismantling financial support systems tied to terrorist organizations, including connections to transnational criminal networks. Funding under this opportunity will support structured training and capacity-building initiatives targeting investigators, prosecutors, and judges. Activities are expected to include practical training programs, technical assistance, and coordination mechanisms that improve multi-agency collaboration. The program also requires coordination with existing regional initiatives, such as the International Law Enforcement Academy, to avoid duplication and maximize impact. Applicants are expected to identify and align with other relevant programs operating in the region. The scope of the program includes both legal and financial disruption components, with a particular focus on newly designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations operating in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the program supports implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 by helping partner countries address threats associated with Iranian proxy actors. Efforts to improve information sharing with U.S. counterparts are also a key component, ensuring that intelligence and enforcement actions are coordinated effectively. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include a wide range of organizations such as not-for-profit entities, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Only one award is expected to be issued, with funding structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the funding agency throughout the project period. The application process requires submission through official federal grant systems, with applicants expected to prepare comprehensive proposals detailing program design, implementation strategies, and coordination plans. While specific application components are not fully detailed in the synopsis, applicants should anticipate requirements typical of federal cooperative agreements, including technical narratives, budgets, and evidence of organizational capacity. The application deadline is June 12, 2026, and no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified. Questions or technical issues related to the opportunity can be directed to the provided contact email at the Bureau of Counterterrorism.

Align proposal with existing regional counterterrorism programs and demonstrate coordination; emphasize practical training outcomes and multi-agency collaboration; clearly address financial disruption strategies and legal framework strengthening