2026 Preventing Trafficking of Girls Program (US)

The Preventing Trafficking of Girls Program supports organizations and government entities working to prevent human trafficking and provide early intervention services for girls who are at risk of trafficking or have experienced trafficking. The program focuses on addressing the specific vulnerabilities of girls through targeted prevention, protection, and support services. What Is the Preventing Trafficking of Girls Program? The Preventing Trafficking of Girls Program is a funding opportunity focused on reducing the prevalence and impact of human trafficking among girls. The program supports prevention and early intervention approaches designed around the needs and experiences of girls who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking.

Its core objectives include:

Preventing girls from becoming victims of human trafficking. Addressing vulnerabilities that can increase trafficking risks. Supporting girls who have already experienced trafficking. Strengthening community-based responses to trafficking. Human trafficking under this opportunity refers to trafficking as defined under U.S. federal law. Why Does This Program Matter? Girls who experience trafficking may face multiple and overlapping vulnerabilities. Early identification and appropriate intervention can help prevent exploitation or reduce its long-term effects. The program recognizes that effective anti-trafficking strategies should go beyond responding after exploitation has occurred. Prevention and early intervention can help: Identify risks before trafficking occurs. Connect vulnerable girls with appropriate services. The estimated total funding available under the program is $3,511,939. Individual awards may be worth up to $500,000. Applicants should develop project budgets that are directly connected to their proposed prevention or early intervention activities and comply with the funding opportunity’s specific requirements. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is open to a broad range of public, nonprofit, housing, tribal, and educational entities.

Eligible applicants include:

County governments. City or township governments. State governments. Special district governments. Public housing authorities. Indian housing authorities. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Private institutions of higher education. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education. Who Should Consider Applying? Organizations should consider this opportunity if they have the capacity to design or deliver services addressing human trafficking prevention, early intervention, victim support, youth protection, or related vulnerabilities affecting girls. Potential applicants may include entities with established programs serving: Individuals requiring early intervention and protective services. Applicants should carefully review the official funding announcement for any additional eligibility, partnership, program design, and application requirements. What Types of Activities Can Be Supported? The central focus is on prevention and early intervention services for girls who are at risk of or victims of human trafficking. Potential project approaches may include activities that: Identify trafficking risk factors. Provide early intervention to vulnerable girls. Connect girls with appropriate support services. Strengthen protective and prevention mechanisms. Improve coordination among relevant service providers. Develop responses tailored to girls’ specific needs and experiences. Support community-level trafficking prevention efforts. Projects should clearly demonstrate how proposed activities will contribute to preventing trafficking or improving early intervention outcomes. How to Develop a Strong Proposal Applicants should build their proposals around a clearly defined trafficking prevention problem and demonstrate how the proposed intervention will address that problem.

Step 1: Define the Problem

Explain the human trafficking risks affecting girls in the proposed service area.

Use available evidence to demonstrate:

The nature of the trafficking problem. The vulnerabilities affecting girls. Existing gaps in prevention or early intervention. Why the proposed intervention is necessary.

Step 2: Identify the Target Population

Clearly describe the girls who will benefit from the project. The proposal should explain why this population is at risk of trafficking or requires early intervention.

Step 3: Design Prevention and Intervention Activities

Develop practical activities that directly address identified risks. Activities should have a clear connection to the program’s goal of preventing trafficking or intervening at an early stage.

Step 4: Establish Partnerships

Where appropriate, demonstrate coordination with organizations and agencies that work in areas such as:

Eligible applicants: Government entities, tribal organizations, housing authorities, higher education institutions, and eligible nonprofits

Trafficking definition: Human trafficking as defined under U.S. law

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Preventing Trafficking of Girls Program? It is a funding program supporting prevention and early intervention services for girls who are at risk of human trafficking or who have experienced trafficking. How much funding is available? The estimated total program funding is $3,511,939, and individual awards may be up to $500,000. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include state, county, city and township governments, tribal governments and organizations, housing authorities, public and private higher education institutions, and qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Who are the beneficiaries of the program? The program focuses on girls who are at risk of or are victims of human trafficking as defined by U.S. law. What is the main purpose of the fundin