2025 U.S. Department of State Initiative: Call for Proposals to Combat Modern Slavery

NGOCSTIP – Combat modern slavery remains a critical global priority, and the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) is taking significant steps toward addressing this grave issue through the launch of the 2025 Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS). With a focus on testing, evaluating, and scaling high-potential interventions, this initiative seeks to fund and analyze the effectiveness of various anti-human trafficking projects. Through rigorous evaluation and collaboration, the TIP Office aims to build a stronger, evidence-backed foundation for eradicating human trafficking across the globe. This funding opportunity, which opens Stage One of a two-stage competition, invites organizations to submit proposals that show potential in addressing modern slavery and that could benefit from a robust evaluation to prove their effectiveness.

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PEMS Goals and Focus Areas

The 2025 Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) is a key part of the U.S. Department of State’s ongoing efforts to combat trafficking in persons through evidence-based approaches. PEMS focuses on supporting interventions that are still in early stages but show promise in addressing the complexities of human trafficking. The TIP Office seeks to invest in projects that offer innovative, tested solutions for reducing modern slavery and can contribute to the growing body of knowledge on what works in this area.

Interventions funded through this program are expected to demonstrate potential for long-term impact, whether through novel methods or by building upon proven models from other fields that have not yet been fully adapted for trafficking prevention or rehabilitation efforts.

“Read about: 2025 Human Trafficking Symposium: Strengthening Community Efforts to End Exploitation”

Eligibility and Criteria for Applicants

The TIP Office is opening Stage One of the PEMS competition, inviting organizations to submit Statements of Interest for projects that meet specific criteria. These criteria include:

Promising Interventions Needing Evaluation: Projects that have demonstrated success or promise but lack the resources for a rigorous evaluation.
Successful Approaches from Other Fields: Initiatives that have worked well in other sectors and that can adapt to combat human trafficking.
Research-Based Program Designs: Programs based on substantial research that still need funding to implement and test.

The program allows a diverse range of organizations, both large and small, to contribute to the fight against modern slavery. The program encourages applicants to propose interventions that demonstrate high impact potential and offer valuable insights into what works best in anti-trafficking efforts.

Collaboration and Partnerships in Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Recognizing the need for collaborative approaches. The TIP Office emphasizes the importance of partnerships for the successful implementation of anti-trafficking projects. Local expertise will be essential for ensuring that proposed interventions are culturally and regionally appropriate. Furthermore, PEMS encourages partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders. Including governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions, and international organizations. These partnerships are seen as key drivers for improving the sustainable reduction of human trafficking and achieving long-term progress.

Through PEMS, the TIP Office intends to foster collaboration and encourage a holistic approach to combating modern slavery. The program aims to create lasting solutions that organizations can replicate and scale globally.

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants must submit their applications for the 2025 Program to End Modern Slavery via MyGrants by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on February 4, 2025. Interested applicants should visit Grants.gov to access detailed instructions on how to apply and to review the full programming priority. In addition to submitting Statements of Interest. The TIP Office will invite selected applicants to submit full proposals for Stage Two of the competition. Which will occur in the spring of 2025.

For any inquiries or concerns, applicants can contact the TIP Office via email at JTIPGrants@state.gov. The TIP Office regularly updates the FAQ document on Grants.gov and MyGrants to provide clarity and additional guidance for potential applicants.