Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has announced a funding opportunity titled “Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico.” This initiative is part of INL’s broader mission to enhance U.S. national security by combating transnational crime and fostering international stability. The program is funded through International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. With a total available budget of $1.5 million, the initiative aims to engage qualified organizations in implementing strategies that deter the recruitment of youth into organized crime groups operating in Mexico. This effort directly aligns with U.S. priorities in curbing illegal drug flows, reducing violence, and strengthening rule of law in neighboring regions that significantly impact U.S. domestic security. The project seeks to address the growing concern over the involvement of vulnerable youth in cartel operations across key Mexican states—Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guerrero. The solicitation highlights a comprehensive framework integrating legal reform, prevention strategies, disengagement support for former recruits, and enhanced prosecutorial efforts. Applicants are expected to propose specialized and innovative activities that respond to at least one or two of the outlined objectives, including: promoting legislation to criminalize recruitment, implementing standardized legal procedures and policies for deterrence, and training law enforcement actors on appropriate case management of recruitment offenses. Spending under this program will be authorized through a cooperative agreement, which allows for substantial INL involvement in program oversight. Funded activities may include advocacy campaigns (with strict compliance to Mexican media law), evidence-based deterrence programming, legal training for prosecutors, and community-level disengagement and reintegration efforts. Selected applicants must also comply with mandatory quarterly performance reporting through INL’s DevResults platform, and submit required monitoring and evaluation plans including a Change Map and Performance Indicator Reference Sheet. The project duration is 24 months, with a potential for expansion subject to future funding and performance outcomes. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to U.S.-based or foreign-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. U.S. applicants must meet tax-exemption criteria under sections 501(c)(3) or 26 US 115 of the Internal Revenue Code. Public international organizations and for-profit entities are ineligible. While cost sharing is not required, applicants proposing contributions must be prepared to document all matched costs. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, although consortiums are permitted if one entity is clearly designated as the lead applicant. Applications are due by April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time via Grants.gov. Questions related to the NOFO must be submitted by March 6, 2026. All proposals must include a full narrative (max 20 pages), detailed budgets, risk analysis, timeline, performance monitoring plan, and organizational documentation. INL will evaluate submissions using weighted criteria focusing on project design, monitoring and evaluation, institutional capacity, and cost realism. Preference will be given in tie-breaker situations to applicants with lower indirect cost rates. The anticipated award date is June 2026, with implementation expected to begin shortly thereafter. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by July 31, 2026. Given the cooperative agreement structure, INL will retain approval rights over key deliverables including annual work plans, curriculum materials, and evaluation frameworks. All selected recipients must adhere to compliance requirements related to anti-discrimination, anti-trafficking, and federal funding transparency. The NOFO also contains specific prohibitions regarding the use of drones manufactured by foreign entities and the funding of activities that could incentivize mass migration to the U.S. border.

Proposals should reflect strong evidence-based design, measurable outcomes, and realistic sustainability planning.