Expanding and Diversifying Counter-proliferation Efforts (Global)

CRDF Global, with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program, will oversee a grant competition for organizations to leverage open-source tools to produce research, analysis, and/or compliance tools related to the practical implementation of export controls, sanctions, and other international nonproliferation mechanisms.

Priority will be given to project proposals addressing key proliferation problem sets that are perpetuated by nation states that support the advancement of Weapons of Mass Destruction or provide support to terrorist proxies. These include, among other things, the forced or illicit acquisition of technologies for weapons development or military aggression, unauthorized arms transfers or illegal trade in arms, and unauthorized intangible technology transfers.

Creativity and innovation in the outputs of the proposed project are highly encouraged. Examples of proposed project outputs include (but are not limited to): a research paper with practical application such as informing policy or practices; due diligence and “Know Your Customer” guidance or protocols for local industries; a training module or model policy to protect intangible technology; a training module or software tool to enhance public procurement, financial controls, investment screening, etc.; a case study or visual aid to support policy analysis and/or advocacy around strategic trade controls and sanctions; data collection or analysis to map high-risk investments or transactions; an investigation to uncover hidden proliferation-related procurement activities; an investigation to uncover sanctions evasion practices; etc.

Grants are a one-time, eight-month award up to approximately USD $20,000 each.

• Conduct a research, analytical, advocacy, or training project that enhances stakeholders’ capacity to strengthen international nonproliferation norms through awareness raising, policy reform, enhanced due-diligence and enforcement procedures, or other resources for practitioners.
• Actively promote this work through an event such as, but not limited to, a publication event, a roundtable, journal, or workshop. Costs associated with promotional event(s) should be included in the project budget.

• Institutional and/or managerial approval is required for applications to be considered for this competition
• Applications must be from Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Middle East and North Africa regions.
• Universities, research institutions, think tanks, investigative journalists, and media organizations are eligible for funding.
• Multiple organizations may apply together in a consortium but will need to designate one lead organization.

A completed application and supporting documents with all application sections filled out, including:

• Fully completed application form
• A one-page abstract and proposed action plan describing the project objective, proposed methodology, brief review of existing work on the same topic (if any) and expected results. The abstract should be double-spaced in 12-point font no more than 900 words. The application should include specific plans on what kind of event or other method of research dissemination and promotion will be conducted.
• Institutional letter of support
• Proposed detailed budget: the primary sheet of the budget should be used to fill out the project budget. Any Institutional support should be filled out in the CostShare tab.
• The curriculum vitae (CV) for each individual on the project team. The CVs should be sent as a single PDF document.

Application materials and research products must be submitted in English.