Sin Rutas, Sin Recursos: Hitting Criminal Networks Where It Hurts

The U.S. Mission to Colombia, under the Department of State, is hosting an open grant competition to contract an investigative journalist or media production firm for a public diplomacy project. The selected recipient must document how reduced illegal migration has disrupted the operations of criminal networks like the Clan del Golfo and Tren de Aragua, detailing the damage these groups cause to Colombian communities and the environment. Deliverables must center on human stories and testimonies backed by hard data and visual graphics for social and traditional media, utilizing formats such as investigative documentary mini-series or high-impact photojournalism. This project will be executed in close coordination with Colombian authorities and relevant U.S. agencies to demonstrate how reducing illegal migration undercuts financing to narcoterrorist organizations. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026, for awards ranging between $40,000 and $50,000, with inquiries directed to Juan Grimaldo at GrimaldoJC@state.gov.