CFAs: Sin Rutas, Sin Recursos: Hitting Criminal Networks Where It Hurts Grant (Colombia)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The U.S. Mission to Colombia is inviting investigative journalists, media organizations, and other eligible applicants to propose data-driven visual storytelling projects examining how reduced illegal migration can affect criminal networks, local communities, and the environment in Colombia. Selected projects can receive $40,000 to $50,000 and must be completed within 12 months or less. What Is the U.S. Mission to Colombia Investigative Media Grant? This grant supports investigative journalism and visual media that examine the relationship between migration routes, criminal networks, community security, and environmental conditions in Colombia. The opportunity focuses on criminal organizations that exploit migrants travelling through Colombian territory and generate illicit income from these activities. Applicants are expected to produce compelling, evidence-based media that explains: How criminal groups generate revenue from illicit migrant “toll” systems. How this revenue contributes to criminal activity and violence. How changes in illegal migration can affect the financial capacity of criminal networks. How reduced migration pressure may contribute to environmental recovery. How local communities and environmental defenders experience these changes. How Much Funding Is Available?

The grant provides:

Minimum award: $40,000

Maximum award: $50,000

Maximum project duration: 12 months

Projects should be appropriately designed and budgeted to achieve the required investigative and media outputs within the funding period. What Will the Grant Support? The selected applicant will be expected to create two major forms of visual storytelling. Investigative Video or Documentary The project should produce a multi-part video mini-series or documentary examining the financial relationship between illegal migration and transnational criminal organizations. The investigation should trace the flow of illicit migrant-related revenue and explain how that money contributes to broader criminal activities. Environmental Visual Journalism The project should also produce high-impact visual journalism or photojournalism documenting environmental regeneration in affected regions. The environmental component should demonstrate how ecological conditions are changing and connect those developments to the broader issues being investigated. What Does Data-Driven Storytelling Mean? The grant requires content to be based on credible evidence rather than unsupported claims or general commentary.

Applicants should incorporate:

Relevant data. Investigative findings. Financial information where available. Visual statistics. Maps and geographic information. Charts and graphics. Expert perspectives. Community testimony. Documentary evidence. Visual graphics should make complex information easier for audiences to understand. Why This Opportunity Matters Illegal migration routes can intersect with organized crime, community insecurity, and environmental pressures. Investigative journalism can help audiences understand these interconnected issues by following the money, documenting local impacts, and presenting evidence in an accessible visual format. The grant also seeks to support public understanding of the potential security, social, and environmental benefits associated with reducing illegal migration. Geographic Focus Projects should demonstrate experience and relevance in Colombian border and transit regions. Applicants should understand the local context and be capable of conducting credible investigative reporting or visual documentation in the areas covered by their proposal. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations and individuals with relevant investigative or media experience. Determine whether the applicant is an eligible nonprofit, media professional, educational institution, civil society organization, government institution, or other qualifying entity. For-profit applicants should not apply as the primary applicant.

Step 2: Develop the Investigative Concept

Define the central question the project will investigate. The proposal should explain how the investigation will examine the relationship between: Illegal migration → illicit revenue → criminal networks → community and environmental impacts The proposed narrative should be supported by evidence and appropriate investigative methods.

Step 3: Plan the Video or Documentary

Develop a clear concept for the multi-part video mini-series or documentary.

Describe:

Proposed episodes or sections. Main investigative themes. Interview subjects. Data sources. Locations. Visual storytelling techniques. Expected audience.

Step 4: Develop the Environmental Journalism Component

Explain how the project will document environmental regeneration and incorporate perspectives from Indigenous leaders, environmental defenders, and local communities.

Step 5: Build the Data and Visual Strategy

Explain how data will be collected, verified, analyzed, and presented.

Consider using:

Infographics. Maps. Data visualizations. Timelines. Financial-flow graphics. Before-and-after environmental imagery. Documentary footage.

Step 6: Prepare the Distribution Strategy

The finished content should be suitable for both social media and traditional media platforms. Explain how the project will reach its intended audience and maximize public engagement.

Step 7: Prepare the Budget

The requested amount should fall between $40,000 and $50,000. The budget should correspond directly to project activities such as investigation, filming, production, data analysis, graphics, photography, editing, and distribution.

Step 8: Submit the Proposal

Submit the completed application and required supporting information according to the U.S. Mission to Colombia’s application procedures. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Making unsupported claims about migration or criminal organizations. Relying primarily on opinion instead of investigative evidenc