Grant Opportunity: Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico
Summary
The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement has announced a grant opportunity to fund projects aimed at reducing recruitment by organized crime groups in Mexico. The initiative seeks to disrupt criminal networks and enhance regional stability, with an expected award range of $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
What changed
The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement (INL) is soliciting applications for a grant opportunity focused on countering cartel recruitment in Mexico. The program aims to reduce recruitment by organized crime groups through prevention strategies, public advocacy, enhanced prosecutorial capacity, disengagement programs, and legislative reform. This initiative is intended to disrupt criminal networks that contribute to illicit drug flow, violence, and illegal migration into the United States, thereby advancing U.S. security interests.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and educational institutions. The application deadline is April 6, 2026. The INL anticipates making one award with a funding range between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000. Interested parties should refer to the NOFO document for detailed application instructions and submission requirements via Grants.gov.
What to do next
- Review the NOFO document for detailed eligibility and application requirements.
- Prepare and submit grant applications through Grants.gov by April 6, 2026.
- Contact Najar Starr at StarrND@state.gov for any grant-related inquiries.
Source document (simplified)
Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico
Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement
Assistance Listings: 19.705 -- Trans-National Crime
Last Updated: February 7, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
To carry out a project to aimed at reducing recruitment by organized crime groups in Mexico. This project will advance U.S. security interests by promoting a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, prosecution, and legal reform. The initiative will engage stakeholders in key Mexican states to implement intelligence-driven prevention strategies, strengthen public advocacy, enhance prosecutorial capacity, support disengagement programs, and advance legislative reform to criminalize organized crime recruitment. These efforts will disrupt criminal networks that facilitate the flow of illicit drugs, violence, and illegal migration into the United States. By fostering stability and the rule of law in Mexico, this project not only supports our regional partners but also directly contributes to the safety and security of the United States
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code;
Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
Foreign-based educational institutions
Grantor contact information
Description
Najar Starr
Grants Officer
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NOFOMxCounterCartelRecruitmentFINAL2-6-2026.pdf | Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico - NOFO | Feb 7, 2026 02:12 AM UTC |
| FY2026v.1Open-SourceTemplatesGrants.gov.zip | FY2026 - INL Templates and Forms | Feb 7, 2026 02:12 AM UTC |
| QAOFOP0002496-CounteringCartel_Recruitment.pdf | Q&A OFOP0002496 | Mar 17, 2026 07:25 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Link to Opportunity in MyGrants
Closing: April 6, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$--
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$1,000,000
Award Minimum
$1,500,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
OFOP0002496
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Transnational Crime
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
February 6, 2026
Archive date:
--
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