Western Hemisphere Regional: Strengthening Investigative Journalism on Corruption and Illicit Finance through Capacity Building and Awareness Raising | INL18SOI0023 INLC WHPREGIONAL 03232018

Opportunity Information: Apply for INL18SOI0023 INLC WHPREGIONAL 03232018

This funding opportunity, titled "Western Hemisphere Regional: Strengthening Investigative Journalism on Corruption and Illicit Finance through Capacity Building and Awareness Raising" (Funding Opportunity Number INL18SOI0023), is offered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). It invites qualified organizations to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) proposing a program focused on boosting investigative journalism that exposes corruption, the proceeds of corruption, and illicit financial transactions such as money laundering. The broader idea is to strengthen accountability and disrupt how corruption and illicit finance enable transnational crime across the Western Hemisphere.

The central goal is practical impact: increasing both the quality and the volume of investigative reporting that can credibly document corrupt schemes and trace the movement and laundering of illicit funds. INL is not just looking for general journalism training, but for targeted capacity building that helps journalists produce actionable, evidence-based investigations related to corruption networks and financial flows. A second major objective is to improve mutual awareness and communication between journalists and justice-sector actors. The opportunity specifically highlights the value of both sides understanding and making use of each other's information, such as law enforcement alerts and tips on one side, and credible reporting that may point to actionable leads on the other. The program is expected to identify and promote realistic ways for journalists and justice-sector institutions to engage more effectively when appropriate, recognizing that the two communities operate differently but can benefit from better information sharing and awareness.

Geographically, the project is intended to build this capacity regionally across the Western Hemisphere, meaning it is designed for work in countries throughout North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean rather than a single-country effort, depending on what the applicant proposes and what INL prioritizes. The activity area is categorized under Law, Justice, and Legal Services (CFDA 19.703), reflecting INL's law enforcement and rule-of-law mandate and the focus on corruption and illicit finance as drivers of organized and transnational crime.

The application process begins with an SOI rather than a full proposal. INL will screen SOIs for eligibility and compliance with relevant federal and bureau rules and guidelines, and proposals may also receive legal review by the Department of State's Office of the Legal Adviser or other relevant offices. After reviewing SOIs, INL may recommend certain applicants to submit full proposals based on how well the SOI aligns with the solicitation's review criteria, INL priority needs, and U.S. foreign policy objectives. The notice indicates an anticipated notification timeframe of about five weeks after the closing date of the announcement, signaling a relatively quick initial review cycle for the SOI stage.

Eligibility is broad but defined. Applicants may include U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and organizations that are still in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status can apply if they provide proof they are seeking IRS recognition at the time of submission; however, any award would be contingent on obtaining that status. U.S. universities or research institutions that meet 501(c)(3) requirements are also eligible. In addition, local in-country nonprofits based in the Western Hemisphere can apply if they can demonstrate current legal registration in their country, have the programmatic capacity to deliver the work, and can meet reporting requirements. International nongovernmental organizations are also eligible under similar conditions, including proof of country registration and the ability to meet program and reporting expectations. The source data also lists eligible applicant categories such as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (with the understanding that U.S. nonprofit status requirements apply to U.S.-based entities as described in the narrative).

Financially, the listing shows an award ceiling of $500,000. The funding instrument type is listed as "Other," and the opportunity category is also "Other," which can indicate that INL may structure the award in a way that does not neatly fit a standard grant label in the public summary, though the narrative mentions a cooperative agreement award as the anticipated mechanism if selected. The original closing date for the opportunity is April 24, 2018, and the creation date is March 23, 2018, which places it as a specific, time-bound solicitation from that period.

In plain terms, INL is looking for capable organizations that can train and support investigative journalists to produce stronger corruption and money-laundering stories, while also building bridges of awareness between the journalism community and justice-sector stakeholders. The program is expected to be practical, regionally relevant, and aligned with the broader objective of countering transnational crime by shining a light on corruption and the financial systems that help illicit actors move and protect their money.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Western Hemisphere Regional: Strengthening Investigative Journalism on Corruption and Illicit Finance through Capacity Building and Awareness Raising" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.703.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-03-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-04-24. (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 $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for INL18SOI0023 INLC WHPREGIONAL 03232018

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