The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) invites organizations to submit concept notes for programs benefiting refugees and other vulnerable populations in Iraq, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Syria for Fiscal Year 2025. Programs should aim to address the needs of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable host communities through humanitarian assistance in areas such as protection, education, health, and livelihoods. Proposals are encouraged to promote social cohesion, enhance local organizational capacity, and ensure the safe and participatory delivery of aid. Concept notes must comply with PRM guidelines and demonstrate alignment with country-specific priorities.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, overseas-based nonprofits with proof of registration, and international organizations, except UN agencies. Applicants can apply individually or as part of a consortium consisting of at least three organizations. Each organization may submit separate concept notes for different country programs but must adhere to the country-specific limits on the number of submissions. Multi-country or regional concept notes will not be considered. Projects must target a population base of at least 50 percent refugees, IDPs, stateless persons, or other populations of concern.

The program involves a two-step application process. Concept notes must be submitted via Grants.gov by January 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Selected organizations will be invited to submit full proposals within 30 days of notification, anticipated within three months after the concept note deadline. Awards are expected within five months of the full proposal submission deadline, contingent on the availability of funds. PRM anticipates awarding up to 23 cooperative agreements with a total funding amount of approximately $38 million, though these figures are not guaranteed.

In Iraq, PRM will accept up to two concept notes per applicant, provided each focuses on different populations such as Iraqi IDPs, returnees, refugees, or asylum-seekers. Projects should demonstrate localization efforts, fill existing gaps, and align with national coordination structures, including the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) and the “One UN Plan.” Programs may operate in various settings, including camps, urban areas, and return areas. PRM encourages integrated approaches across protection sectors, including child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), legal protection, and socio-cultural inclusion.

Concept notes must adhere to PRM’s General NGO Guidelines and submission requirements. PRM strictly enforces page limits and requires that all documents, including budget summaries, be submitted in English. Budget documents should be provided in Excel format, while narrative content must be in Adobe PDF. Technical guidance for submitting via Grants.gov is available, and applicants are advised to allow sufficient time to address potential technical issues. Additional funding sources that complement PRM’s investment are encouraged but are not required and will not impact competitive rankings.

PRM anticipates substantial involvement in awarded cooperative agreements, including providing policy guidance, reviewing budgets, and monitoring project performance. Organizations are expected to work within existing humanitarian coordination structures and address gaps rather than duplicate activities. Applicants are encouraged to build on lessons learned, incorporate localization strategies, and demonstrate how proposed programs will achieve sustainable outcomes.

For inquiries, applicants can contact PRM program officers assigned to specific countries. The contact information includes email addresses for staff in Washington, D.C., and relevant embassies or consulates in Iraq, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Syria.