Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS) | SFOP0009851

Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009851

The Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) funding opportunity that supports a Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal by strengthening anti-corruption efforts through direct engagement with the private sector. The core idea behind GPS is that corruption is not only a public-sector problem and cannot be solved by government action alone; companies, business associations, investors, and other commercial actors are often on the front lines of corruption risks and can play a major role in preventing, identifying, and resisting corrupt practices. GPS is designed as a practical mechanism for mobilizing that role through structured public-private dialogue and collective action, so that government, civil society, and businesses can work together on shared anti-corruption challenges rather than operating in separate lanes.

This opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement, which typically means the Department of State expects to remain actively involved during implementation (for example, providing strategic guidance, coordinating with diplomatic and technical partners, and aligning activities with broader U.S. government priorities). The funded project is intended to complement GPS work conducted in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), signaling that the program is meant to align with internationally recognized standards and policy approaches to anti-corruption, responsible business conduct, and integrity in public life. In practice, applicants should expect the work to fit into an existing global effort and to coordinate with parallel OECD-linked activities, rather than functioning as a stand-alone initiative.

The competition (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009851) falls under the Law, Justice and Legal Services activity category (CFDA 19.705) and is discretionary. Eligibility is limited to private institutions of higher education, indicating INL is looking for universities or similar academic institutions that can bring research capacity, convening power, training expertise, and credibility with both policymakers and the private sector. The total potential scale is substantial: awards can be up to $2,500,000 (award ceiling), and INL anticipates making two awards. The opportunity was posted June 2, 2023, with an original closing date of July 5, 2023.

At a high level, the grant supports programming that builds a platform for sustained engagement with the private sector on anti-corruption. That can include facilitating public-private dialogue (bringing businesses together with governments and other stakeholders to discuss practical integrity problems and solutions), supporting collective action models (where groups of companies and partners agree on shared standards or coordinated steps to reduce bribery and other corruption risks), and helping translate anti-corruption commitments into real-world practices. Because GPS is framed as part of a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, the intent is not only to raise awareness but also to create durable cooperation, shared accountability, and problem-solving structures that reduce corruption vulnerabilities in specific sectors, markets, or governance contexts.

• The Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.705.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 02, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 05, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for SFOP0009851

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: