# International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0017721-international-religious-freedom-fund-i-reff-emergency/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361150

> Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor offered grants of up to $4.9 million (at least $4.9 million) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on March 16, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0017721 |
| Agency | Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | March 16, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $4.9 million |
| Award floor | $4.9 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.345 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status Private, public, or state institutions of higher education For-profit organizations or businesses Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) Public International Organizations

## What the grant funds

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a program to provide emergency financial assistance to victims of religious persecution and defenders of religious freedom.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0017721 still open?

No. It closed on March 16, 2026. A newer notice is open: DFOP0019929, closes December 7, 2026 (30 days left).

### Who can apply for International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance?

Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance?

Closed March 16, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $4.9 million each.

### Who has won International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were National Endowment for Democracy, Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The program made 53 awards worth $1.7 billion in that time.