Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0017031
The FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Welcome Corps and the Welcome Corps on Campus is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) competitive funding opportunity to select organizations that can build and run the operational infrastructure for the Welcome Corps, a national private sponsorship pathway for refugee resettlement in the United States. The central purpose is to expand the number and diversity of communities involved in welcoming refugees by enabling private individuals and groups to take a direct role in sponsorship, while also strengthening and complementing PRM's long-standing Reception and Placement (R&P) Program rather than replacing it. In practice, this means PRM is looking for an organization (or organizations) that can manage the systems, tools, processes, and support structures that make private sponsorship work at scale and in a way that protects refugee wellbeing and supports successful integration.
At its core, the Welcome Corps is designed to mobilize private U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor refugees, and this NOFO funds the backbone needed to make that possible. PRM indicates that program operations include six key components (not individually listed in the excerpt), which signals that applicants should be prepared to handle multiple interlocking functions, typically including sponsor recruitment and support, sponsor vetting and compliance processes, training and technical assistance, coordination with resettlement and government partners, case management or connection-to-services pathways, and data systems for tracking performance and outcomes. The emphasis on "infrastructure" and "operations" suggests PRM is seeking a lead implementer capable of nationwide coordination, standardized practices, and consistent quality control across many sponsorship groups and locations.
This NOFO also highlights support for two specialized tracks within the Welcome Corps model: Welcome Corps at Work and Welcome Corps on Campus. These specialized programs are meant to connect refugee sponsorship with concrete placement opportunities in employment and higher education. The at-work model centers on employment arrangements that can help refugees achieve early economic stability, while the on-campus model links sponsorship to higher education settings, where refugees may have pathways to enrollment, campus-based support networks, and structured services. For applicants, this implies the funded infrastructure must be flexible enough to support general private sponsorship as well as these tailored pathways, including partnerships with employers and institutions, and guidance for sponsors navigating work- or campus-based integration plans.
The award is offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically means PRM expects substantial involvement in program direction, oversight, and collaboration during implementation. Instead of simply issuing funds and stepping back, PRM is likely to remain actively engaged on program design refinements, performance monitoring, and policy or procedural alignment with broader refugee admissions and resettlement priorities. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, with an activity category listed as "Other," and it is associated with CFDA number 19.510, reflecting its placement within PRM's assistance portfolio.
Eligibility is open to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education as direct applicants), nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (also excluding institutions of higher education), and international organizations. A specific caution is included for international multilateral organizations such as United Nations agencies: they should not apply through Grants.gov for this announcement. Instead, multilateral organizations that believe their work is relevant are instructed to contact PRM through the NOFO inquiries mailbox before the closing date. That instruction suggests PRM is managing multilateral participation through a different channel or funding mechanism and wants to avoid ineligible submissions through the standard federal grants portal.
In terms of scale and competition, the NOFO lists an award ceiling of $15,000,000 and anticipates making 2 awards. This combination signals a relatively high-capacity implementation effort, potentially split across complementary roles or geographic/functional divisions, though the exact structure would be determined by PRM's selection decisions and the proposals received. The funding instrument and award size imply expectations for strong administrative capacity, robust safeguarding and accountability practices, and the ability to deliver consistent sponsor support and program results across a large footprint.
Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number DFOP0017031, an original closing date of 2024-12-20, and a creation date of 2024-11-20. Applicants interested in competing would need to align proposed work with PRM's objective of increasing community participation in refugee resettlement, demonstrate the ability to manage the program's multiple operational components, and show credible plans to support both general Welcome Corps sponsorship and the specialized Welcome Corps at Work and Welcome Corps on Campus pathways.Apply for DFOP0017031
- The Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Welcome Corps and the Welcome Corps on Campus" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.510.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-11-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-20. (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 $15,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FY 2025 Welcome Corps and Welcome Corps on Campus NOFO
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Welcome Corps and the Welcome Corps on Campus, issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). It is a competitive funding opportunity to select one or more organizations to build and run the operational infrastructure for the Welcome Corps, a national private sponsorship pathway for refugee resettlement in the United States.
2) What is the core purpose of the Welcome Corps?
The central purpose is to expand the number and diversity of communities involved in welcoming refugees by enabling private individuals and groups to take a direct role in sponsorship, while also strengthening and complementing PRM's long-standing Reception and Placement (R&P) Program rather than replacing it.
3) What does PRM mean by funding "operational infrastructure"?
Based on the description, PRM is funding the backbone needed to make private sponsorship work at scale. This includes the systems, tools, processes, and support structures that allow sponsorship to operate nationwide with standardized practices, consistent quality control, and safeguards that protect refugee wellbeing and support successful integration.
4) What kinds of responsibilities should applicants expect under this NOFO?
PRM indicates program operations include six key components (not listed in the excerpt). The description signals that applicants should be prepared to manage multiple interlocking functions typical of private sponsorship operations, such as sponsor recruitment and support, sponsor vetting and compliance processes, training and technical assistance, coordination with resettlement and government partners, connection-to-services pathways, and data systems for tracking performance and outcomes.
5) Is this grant meant to replace the Reception and Placement (R&P) Program?
No. The stated intent is to strengthen and complement PRM's long-standing R&P Program, not replace it.
6) Who is the Welcome Corps designed to mobilize?
The Welcome Corps is designed to mobilize private U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor refugees. This NOFO funds the operational infrastructure that enables that sponsorship model to function.
7) What are the specialized tracks mentioned in the NOFO?
The NOFO highlights two specialized tracks within the Welcome Corps model: Welcome Corps at Work and Welcome Corps on Campus.
8) What is Welcome Corps at Work?
Welcome Corps at Work is described as a specialized program meant to connect refugee sponsorship with concrete placement opportunities in employment. The model centers on employment arrangements that can help refugees achieve early economic stability.
9) What is Welcome Corps on Campus?
Welcome Corps on Campus is described as a specialized program meant to connect refugee sponsorship with higher education settings. It emphasizes pathways to enrollment, campus-based support networks, and structured services in a campus environment.
10) What does supporting these specialized tracks imply for applicants?
It implies the funded operational infrastructure must be flexible enough to support both general private sponsorship and tailored work- or campus-based pathways. The description suggests this may include building partnerships with employers and institutions and providing guidance for sponsors navigating employment- or campus-based integration plans.
11) What type of award is this?
The award is offered as a cooperative agreement.
12) What does a cooperative agreement imply about PRM's role?
A cooperative agreement typically means PRM expects substantial involvement in program direction, oversight, and collaboration during implementation. The description indicates PRM is likely to remain actively engaged on program design refinements, performance monitoring, and policy or procedural alignment with broader refugee admissions and resettlement priorities.
13) Is this a discretionary opportunity, and how is it categorized?
Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, with an activity category listed as "Other."
14) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 19.510.
15) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is open to:
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education as direct applicants)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (also excluding institutions of higher education)
- International organizations
16) Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply directly?
No. The eligibility list explicitly excludes institutions of higher education as direct applicants, even though one program track is campus-based.
17) Can international multilateral organizations (for example, UN agencies) apply through Grants.gov?
No. A specific caution is included stating that international multilateral organizations such as United Nations agencies should not apply through Grants.gov for this announcement.
18) If a UN agency or other multilateral organization is interested, what should it do instead?
Multilateral organizations that believe their work is relevant are instructed to contact PRM through the NOFO inquiries mailbox before the closing date, rather than applying through Grants.gov.
19) What is the maximum funding amount for a single award?
The NOFO lists an award ceiling of $15,000,000.
20) How many awards does PRM expect to make?
PRM anticipates making 2 awards.
21) What does the combination of a $15,000,000 ceiling and 2 anticipated awards suggest about the project scale?
It suggests PRM is seeking relatively high-capacity implementers able to deliver a large-scale implementation effort. The description notes this could be split across complementary roles or geographic/functional divisions, depending on PRM's selection decisions and the proposals received.
22) What are the key dates listed for this NOFO?
The creation date is 2024-11-20, and the original closing date is 2024-12-20.
23) What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is DFOP0017031.
24) What kinds of capacities does PRM appear to be looking for in applicants?
The description emphasizes nationwide coordination, standardized practices, consistent quality control, and strong systems and support structures. It also implies the need for strong administrative capacity, robust safeguarding and accountability practices, and the ability to deliver consistent sponsor support and program results across many sponsorship groups and locations.
25) What outcomes or goals should proposals align with, based on the excerpt?
Proposals should align with PRM's objective of increasing community participation in refugee resettlement, enabling private sponsorship at scale, protecting refugee wellbeing, supporting successful integration, and supporting both general Welcome Corps sponsorship and the specialized at-work and on-campus pathways.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund Projects
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DFOP0017031
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0017031) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| PRM FY 2025 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs Benefiting Afghan Returnees and IDPS in Afghanistan and Afghan Refugees and Stateless Persons in Pakistan Apply for DFOP0017032 Funding Number: DFOP0017032 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Business Excellence for Sustainability and Transparency (BEST) Phase II Activity Apply for 72043825RFA00001 Funding Number: 72043825RFA00001 Agency: Philippines USAID-Manila Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Apply for PDS 001 FY2025 Funding Number: PDS 001 FY2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ethiopia Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant (CPAIG) Program – Albania Apply for CPAIG TIRANA 2025 Funding Number: CPAIG TIRANA 2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Building Stronger Governance through Civil Society Engagement Apply for BH20024GR200WHA Funding Number: BH20024GR200WHA Agency: U.S. Mission to Belize Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation - Lebanon 2025 Apply for LBN PDS 2025 AFCP Funding Number: LBN PDS 2025 AFCP Agency: U.S. Mission to Lebanon Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - Lebanon 2025 Apply for LBN PDS 2025 AEIF Funding Number: LBN PDS 2025 AEIF Agency: U.S. Mission to Lebanon Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy BURKINA FASO PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS BF FY25 APS 001 Funding Number: PAS BF FY25 APS 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Burkina Faso Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Paraguay Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for OFOP0001692 Funding Number: OFOP0001692 Agency: U.S. Mission to Paraguay Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025) Apply for TASHKENT PDS FY25 001 Funding Number: TASHKENT PDS FY25 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Uzbekistan Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Rwanda Market Systems for Livestock Activity (MSLA) Apply for RFI 696 25 000001 Funding Number: RFI 696 25 000001 Agency: Rwanda USAID-Kigali Category: Other Funding Amount: $18,000,000 |
| FY 2025 PRM Request for Concept Notes for Iraq and Syria Region Apply for DFOP0017038 Funding Number: DFOP0017038 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| FY 2025 PRM Request for Concept Notes for NGO programs benefiting Refugees in Jordan Apply for DFOP0017036 Funding Number: DFOP0017036 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for OFOP0001689 Funding Number: OFOP0001689 Agency: U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Education Advising in Nigeria Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for PDS EDUSA FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS EDUSA FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Other Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Notice of Intent: Program to End Modern Slavery FY 2025 Apply for DFOP0017042 Funding Number: DFOP0017042 Agency: Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Eswatini- Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for PAS MBA FY25 AEIF 01 Funding Number: PAS MBA FY25 AEIF 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Eswatini Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| FY2024 Historic Preservation Fund - Tribal Heritage Grants Apply for P24AS00549 Funding Number: P24AS00549 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY 2025 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs Benefitting Refugees in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan Apply for DFOP0017037 Funding Number: DFOP0017037 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| AEIF 2025 Apply for PDS GUA FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS GUA FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Guatemala Category: Other Funding Amount: $30,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0017031", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.