United States Department of State

Published purpose

This project aims to support the International Religious Freedom Fund to reduce imminent, religiously motivated threats against persecuted individuals, defenders of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), and civil society organizations. This is done by increasing their safety, physical integrity, and ability to continue their work and practices. Project activities include: (1) vetting emergency-assistance applications with local partners and regional specialists; (2) safely disbursing funds to verified individuals and organizations and conducting follow-ups for monitoring, evaluation, and learning; (3) conducting outreach to local organizations and potential partners to widen trusted referral networks and strengthen case vetting; and (4) coordinating with other emergency-assistance funds to verify cases, minimize duplication, and maximize support. Beneficiaries include survivors of religious persecution, FoRB defenders, and civil society organizations that receive timely, secure emergency support so they can resume operations and continue their religious practices and human-rights work. Communities served by these groups benefit indirectly from the continuation of services and protection efforts.