Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005153
The grant opportunity titled Strengthening Implementation of Anti-Corruption Standards in Europe (SFOP0005153) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) discretionary grant focused on helping selected European and Eurasian countries turn existing anti-corruption commitments into concrete reforms. The project is designed to work in two or three countries chosen from a set of five targets: Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Armenia, and Montenegro. Rather than creating new standards, the program centers on aligning national reforms with international anti-corruption frameworks and the reform recommendations those frameworks generate through peer review processes.
A key feature of the opportunity is its emphasis on prioritization and implementation. Each selected country has already participated in at least one international anti-corruption mechanism or policy forum and has either received formal recommendations or made political commitments to address corruption. The grant envisions a structured, multi-stakeholder process in each country to identify and prioritize two to three specific recommendations or commitments that are both important and realistically actionable. These recommendations are expected to be drawn primarily from major standards and review bodies such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), with secondary reference points including the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan, the Open Government Partnership, and related policies. The idea is to select a small number of high-value reform targets and then build the practical pathway to achieving them.
After priorities are chosen, the project is expected to support the creation of country-specific action plans and then provide targeted follow-up assistance to help governments and partners actually carry them out. The follow-up support can include technical assistance (such as expertise on drafting laws, regulations, or procedures), advocacy (to build public and political support and keep reform momentum), and coordination (helping different institutions and stakeholders work together and avoid duplication). The program is meant to be hands-on and results-oriented, with attention on tangible steps that strengthen the ability of the criminal justice sector and civil society to prevent corruption, detect it, and respond effectively when it occurs.
The notice highlights several reform areas that applicants could focus on when selecting priorities and designing action plans. These include judicial integrity and independence (strengthening safeguards against undue influence and improving ethical systems), criminalizing and enforcing foreign bribery (ensuring laws and enforcement practices meet international expectations), transparency in political party financing and electoral campaigns (reducing illicit influence and improving disclosure), law enforcement reforms (improving investigative capacity, integrity controls, and accountability), and public procurement fraud and corruption (tightening rules, oversight, and enforcement in government contracting). While these are presented as suggested areas rather than an exhaustive list, they reflect common themes in international peer review recommendations and are likely to align closely with UNCAC and GRECO reform agendas.
Administratively, this is a single-award opportunity with an expected award count of one and a total award ceiling of $400,000. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services under CFDA 19.703. The eligible applicants listed are public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, indicating the program is primarily aimed at universities or comparable public higher education entities that can organize cross-sector engagement and deliver technical and policy support. The opportunity was created on June 4, 2018, with an original closing date of August 6, 2018.
Overall, the grant is structured around a practical theory of change: use internationally recognized anti-corruption standards and peer review recommendations as a roadmap, bring government and non-government stakeholders together to pick a few high-priority reforms, translate those priorities into actionable plans, and then provide the technical, advocacy, and coordination support needed to move from commitments on paper to measurable changes in laws, policies, procedures, and enforcement practice.Apply for SFOP0005153
- The Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Implementation of Anti-Corruption Standards in Europe" 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 Jun 04, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 06, 2018. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the name and number of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Strengthening Implementation of Anti-Corruption Standards in Europe with the identifier SFOP0005153.
2) Which U.S. government office is offering this grant?
This is a discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of State, specifically the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
3) What is the main purpose of the project?
The project aims to help selected European and Eurasian countries turn existing anti-corruption commitments and peer-review recommendations into concrete reforms. The focus is on implementation: choosing a small set of high-value reforms and supporting the practical steps needed to deliver results.
4) Is the program about creating new anti-corruption standards?
No. The program is designed to align national reforms with existing international anti-corruption frameworks and the recommendations those frameworks generate through peer review processes, rather than inventing new standards.
5) Which countries are eligible to be selected for project implementation?
The project is designed to work in two or three countries selected from the following five targets: Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Armenia, and Montenegro.
6) How many countries will the project cover?
The notice anticipates implementation in two or three countries (chosen from the five target countries listed in the opportunity description).
7) What is the underlying approach or "theory of change" described in the notice?
The approach is to: (1) use internationally recognized anti-corruption standards and peer review recommendations as a roadmap, (2) convene a multi-stakeholder process to prioritize a small number of reforms, (3) translate those priorities into actionable country-specific plans, and (4) provide hands-on support so commitments become measurable changes in laws, policies, procedures, and enforcement practice.
8) What does "prioritization" mean in this opportunity?
In each selected country, stakeholders are expected to identify and prioritize two to three specific anti-corruption recommendations or political commitments that are both important and realistically actionable, rather than attempting to address a long list all at once.
9) Where are the prioritized recommendations expected to come from?
They are expected to be drawn primarily from major standards and peer review bodies such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). Secondary reference points may include the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan, the Open Government Partnership, and related policies.
10) Why does the grant emphasize a small number of priorities (two to three) rather than many?
The notice frames the project as results-oriented and implementation-focused. Selecting a small number of high-value reform targets is intended to make progress more realistic and measurable, and to build a practical pathway to achieving those reforms.
11) What happens after priorities are selected in a country?
After priorities are chosen, the project is expected to support development of country-specific action plans and then provide targeted follow-up assistance to help governments and partners carry out those plans.
12) What types of follow-up support are contemplated?
The notice describes follow-up support that can include:
- Technical assistance (for example, expertise on drafting laws, regulations, or procedures)
- Advocacy (to build public and political support and sustain reform momentum)
- Coordination (to help institutions and stakeholders work together and avoid duplication)
13) What sectors does the program aim to strengthen?
The opportunity emphasizes strengthening the ability of the criminal justice sector and civil society to prevent corruption, detect it, and respond effectively.
14) What reform areas does the notice suggest applicants could focus on?
The notice highlights several suggested reform areas, including:
- Judicial integrity and independence (safeguards against undue influence and stronger ethical systems)
- Criminalizing and enforcing foreign bribery (laws and enforcement practices that meet international expectations)
- Transparency in political party financing and electoral campaigns (reducing illicit influence and improving disclosure)
- Law enforcement reforms (investigative capacity, integrity controls, and accountability)
- Public procurement fraud and corruption (stronger rules, oversight, and enforcement in contracting)
15) Are the listed reform areas exhaustive?
No. The notice presents these as suggested areas rather than an exhaustive list, while noting they reflect common themes in international peer review recommendations and align closely with UNCAC and GRECO reform agendas.
16) What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is a grant.
17) How many awards are expected to be made?
This is described as a single-award opportunity with an expected award count of one.
18) What is the maximum total funding available under this opportunity?
The total award ceiling is $400,000.
19) What is the activity category and CFDA listing mentioned?
The activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services under CFDA 19.703.
20) Who is eligible to apply based on the notice?
Eligible applicants are listed as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, indicating the program is primarily aimed at universities or comparable public higher education entities.
21) What kind of applicant capabilities does the notice imply are important?
Based on the described activities, the notice implies applicants should be able to organize cross-sector engagement and deliver technical and policy support, including convening multi-stakeholder processes and supporting action planning and implementation follow-through.
22) When was this opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on June 4, 2018, with an original closing date of August 6, 2018.
23) What makes this opportunity different from a general anti-corruption awareness program?
The notice emphasizes a hands-on, implementation-focused model that uses international recommendations as a roadmap, prioritizes a small number of reforms, and supports action planning and follow-up assistance geared toward tangible changes in laws, policies, procedures, and enforcement practice.
24) Does the opportunity describe the project as primarily government-facing, civil society-facing, or both?
It is designed as a multi-stakeholder effort and explicitly references both government partners and civil society, with coordination support intended to help different institutions and stakeholders work together and avoid duplication.
25) What is the expected output in each selected country?
From the description, the expected country-level outputs include: (1) a structured process to identify and prioritize two to three recommendations/commitments, (2) a country-specific action plan tied to those priorities, and (3) follow-up technical, advocacy, and coordination support to advance implementation.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Law, Justice and Legal Services
Next opportunity: Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act
Previous opportunity: Identifying Structure of the Yellowstone Bison Population
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SFOP0005153
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0005153) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Building Forensic Accounting Capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina Apply for INL18GR0055 BOSNIA FORENSIC 06062018 Funding Number: INL18GR0055 BOSNIA FORENSIC 06062018 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Improving Transparency -- Strengthening Local Actors to Report on Crime and Corruption Apply for SFOP0005152 Funding Number: SFOP0005152 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Capacity Building for the Egyptian Court of Cassation Apply for SFOP0005159 Funding Number: SFOP0005159 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,446,000 |
| Professionalizing African Union Staff for Rule of Law Initiatives Apply for INL18CA0051 INLAME AUROL 061118 Funding Number: INL18CA0051 INLAME AUROL 061118 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $760,000 |
| Court Archiving Project - Lebanon Apply for INL18GR0052 INLAME LEBCOURT 061118 Funding Number: INL18GR0052 INLAME LEBCOURT 061118 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| SuSudan Call Capacity Building: Supporting Engagement with the AU-HIP Peace Procedan Call Capacity Building: Supporting Engagement with the AU-HIP Peace Process Apply for SFOP0005176 Funding Number: SFOP0005176 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Law Enforcement Expertise Program (LEEP) Apply for SFOP0005189 Funding Number: SFOP0005189 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Justice Sector Training, Research, and Coordination Plus (JusTRAC+) Program Apply for SFOP0005191 Funding Number: SFOP0005191 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Justice for the Disappeared in Nuevo Leon Apply for 72052318RFA00004 Funding Number: 72052318RFA00004 Agency: Agency for International Development, Mexico USAID-Mexico City Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Enabling Community-Oriented Policing in the Sahel Apply for SFOP0005179 Funding Number: SFOP0005179 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Increasing Access to Justice in Bangladesh Apply for INL18GR0057 JUSTICE BANGLADESH 062118 Funding Number: INL18GR0057 JUSTICE BANGLADESH 062118 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| OJJDP FY 18 Nonparticipating State Program Apply for OJJDP 2018 13583 Funding Number: OJJDP 2018 13583 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| OJJDP FY 18 Gang Suppression: A Law Enforcement and Prosecutorial Approach to Address Gang Recruitment of Unaccompanied Alien Children Apply for OJJDP 2018 13845 Funding Number: OJJDP 2018 13845 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| OJJDP FY 18 Gang Suppression Planning Grants Program Apply for OJJDP 2018 14582 Funding Number: OJJDP 2018 14582 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Legislative Assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Criminal Procedure Codes Apply for INL18CA0059 INLEA CRIMINALCODES 062918 Funding Number: INL18CA0059 INLEA CRIMINALCODES 062918 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Building Court and Legal Capacities to Prevent and Combat Atrocities in Central African Republic Apply for SFOP0005256 Funding Number: SFOP0005256 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Justice Sector Technical Assistance Program Apply for INL18GR0041 AMELEBANON JUSTSECTTRNG 0719 Funding Number: INL18GR0041 AMELEBANON JUSTSECTTRNG 0719 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Access to Justice for the Juvenile Offender Population: Opportunities for Judicial and Cultural Change - Phase II Apply for INL18CA0060 WHPCOSTARICA 07302018 Funding Number: INL18CA0060 WHPCOSTARICA 07302018 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Lebanon Corrections Professionalization Apply for INL18CA0063 AMELEBANON CORRPROF 07312018 Funding Number: INL18CA0063 AMELEBANON CORRPROF 07312018 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Strengthening Judicial Response to Organized Crime in Costa Rica Apply for INL18GR0065 WHPCOSTARICA 08272018 Funding Number: INL18GR0065 WHPCOSTARICA 08272018 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0005153", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.