GrantsUnited States

Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering

Posted August 2, 2026

Application Cycle Concluded

The listed deadline for this opening was August 31, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.

Coverage / FundingFinancial Support Available

Degree LevelOpen to Qualified Applicants

Location / ModeUnited States

DeadlineAug 31, 2026

About this opportunity

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is running an open competition for organizations to tackle cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes that harm American communities. The program will fund projects addressing cyber intrusions, online fraud, online-facilitated drug trafficking, digital piracy, and the criminal misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets. Two awards are available, with individual grants ranging from $200,000 to $2,196,890. The scale of the problem is significant. A 2018 Gallup survey estimated that one in four American households has been harmed by these crimes. Criminals exploit the pseudonymous and borderless nature of virtual assets to launder proceeds, evade law enforcement, and victimize Americans at scale. President Trump's March 2026 Executive Order strengthened efforts against cybercrime targeting U.S. families, businesses, and critical infrastructure, and this funding competition is part of that push. INL is the State Department bureau responsible for helping countries build their capacity to fight crime and corruption. It works on counter-narcotics, anti-money laundering, and rule of law programs around the world. This particular competition focuses on the intersection of traditional crime and digital technology, where criminal networks use encryption, cryptocurrency, and cross-border payment systems to operate beyond the reach of any single country's law enforcement. The competition is open to a wide range of organizations. U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and for-profit companies can apply, as can their foreign-based counterparts. This is a broad call for proposals, meaning both established international NGOs and specialized private firms with relevant expertise are eligible to compete.

Benefits

Award ceiling of $2,196,890 per project
Award floor of $200,000 per project
Two awards available in total

Eligibility

U.S.-based non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code
U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code
Foreign-based non-profits or non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Foreign-based educational institutions
U.S.-based for-profit organizations
Foreign-based for-profit organizations

How to Apply

Review the full solicitation and program objectives to confirm your organization's eligibility and alignment with the funding priorities.
Prepare a complete application package that addresses the specific cybercrime typologies outlined in the competition notice.
Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Ready to start your application?

Submit your materials before the official deadline.

Apply Now

Oppora Editorial Application Tip

Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.

⚡

Oppora Editorial Analysis

Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools

Competitiveness Rating:Moderate

Selection Committee Priorities

•Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in United States to Department Of State's strategic goals.
•Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
•Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.

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