The "FY 2025 Request for Concept Notes for Global Protection Programs" issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) seeks global initiatives to enhance humanitarian protection for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. The notice encourages projects addressing themes such as persons with disabilities, child protection, LGBTQI+ individuals, stateless persons, mental health, and older persons. Concept notes must demonstrate a broad impact and clear, positive field-level outcomes. PRM emphasizes proposals with a global scope and does not consider single-country-focused projects.

The program aims to strengthen capacity, improve advocacy, share best practices, and foster coordination among organizations to address humanitarian protection challenges. Eligible activities include legal protection, socio-cultural inclusion, mental health and psychosocial support, and capacity building for NGOs and local governments. PRM’s approach to protection aligns with measures to prevent violence, alleviate trauma, promote durable solutions, and ensure humanitarian efforts respect dignity and human rights.

Funding for the initiative is sourced from the Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account. PRM will issue cooperative agreements with funding ranging from $200,000 to $750,000 annually per project, for durations of 12 to 24 months. Selected organizations will be invited to expand concept notes into full proposals within three months of submission. The program is expected to make as many as nine awards depending on appropriations.

Eligibility is open to U.S. and overseas nonprofits, higher education institutions, and international organizations. Organizations must demonstrate proof of tax-exempt or registration status, and international organizations should coordinate with PRM staff directly. Applicants can submit one concept note per theme, and those forming consortia must include a minimum of three organizations.

Applications must include a narrative of no more than four pages (five for consortia) addressing problem statements, target populations, measurable outcomes, and organizational experience. A one-page budget summary in Excel format is also required. Proposals must adhere to strict formatting guidelines and be submitted in English via Grants.gov by February 28, 2025.

Evaluation criteria include the quality of the program idea, identification of beneficiary populations, feasibility of achieving objectives, organizational experience, and budget suitability. PRM prioritizes proposals demonstrating collaboration with UNHCR, inclusion of displaced persons in project design, and sensitivity to conflict dynamics. Selected organizations will need to align their programs with international humanitarian standards, including Sphere Standards, and focus on underserved groups.

This two-step process starts with concept notes and, if selected, progresses to detailed proposals. The funding is contingent upon future appropriations, and PRM strongly encourages applicants to ensure timely registration on Grants.gov and SAM.gov.