At a glance
This grant funds a project to strengthen Philippine maritime legal units and build lasting maritime legal capacity within the Office of the Solicitor General, the Department of Justice, and participating maritime agencies. It is open to U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, and organizations only; public international organizations and for-profit organizations are not eligible. The award is for one grant of $2,500,000, with a 36-month project period starting in January 2027. Cost share is recommended but not required. The project is limited to the Philippines and the NOFO says no funding should go to operational maritime activities, enforcement actions, or procurement of operational equipment.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
This project will support the development of sustainable maritime legal capacity within the Philippine Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other relevant agencies. Through technical training, legal advisory support, interagency coordination, and professional exchanges, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional expertise in maritime law, UNCLOS, arbitration, litigation strategy, and maritime case development. The project will support establishment of long-term training and knowledge-transfer mechanisms, including a multiyear training roadmap, Training-of-Trainers framework, and development of maritime legal reference materials. By building durable, in-house maritime legal expertise and strengthening rules-based approaches to maritime legal issues, the initiative supports regional stability, lawful commerce, and partner self-reliance in the Indo-Pacific.
Who can apply
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)