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Grants for Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations in Costa Rica

Deadline: 04-Mar-2026

The European Commission invites civil society organizations in Costa Rica and the wider region to apply for funding to advance human rights, democracy, and inclusive development. Total funding of EUR 2,160,000 is available across two lots, supporting projects that promote civic engagement, environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, and rights-based approaches. Grants cover 75–90% of project costs, with projects expected to integrate gender perspectives, inclusivity, and EU policy priorities.

Programme Overview

This EU funding initiative aims to strengthen civil society’s role in shaping policy, defending human rights, and promoting inclusive development in Costa Rica. By providing financial support, the programme empowers organizations to address key challenges aligned with the Global Gateway agenda, human rights, and democratic values.

Objectives

  • Reinforce civil society participation in policy and decision-making processes.

  • Promote human rights, democratic culture, and social inclusion.

  • Support environmental sustainability and the green transition.

  • Enhance digital skills and digital inclusion, especially for marginalized communities.

  • Integrate gender perspectives and EU gender-sensitive methodologies into all projects.

Funding Details

  • Total Funding: EUR 2,160,000

    • Lot 1: EUR 1,200,000 (grant requests: EUR 400,000 – 600,000)

    • Lot 2: EUR 960,000 (grant requests: EUR 200,000 – 320,000)

  • Co-funding Requirement: Applicants must secure 10–25% of project costs from other eligible sources.

  • Grant Coverage: 75–90% of total project costs

  • Project Duration: As per individual project proposals and EU guidelines

  • Unused funds may be reallocated between lots depending on proposal quality and quantity.

Priority Areas / Funding Lots

Lot 1 – Green and Digital Transition

  • Lead initiatives in climate action, sustainable transport, and environmental protection.

  • Develop community awareness and innovation in green infrastructure.

  • Strengthen digital skills and participation in digital policy discussions.

  • Protect environmental defenders and promote inclusive sustainability.

Lot 2 – Human Rights and Inclusive Democracy

  • Deepen citizen participation at local and national levels.

  • Enhance transparency, institutional integrity, and public accountability.

  • Promote civic engagement, democratic culture, and equitable political participation.

  • Focus on rights-based approaches supporting marginalized populations.

Who is Eligible?

  • Nonprofit legal entities established in Costa Rica, an EU Member State, or another eligible country.

  • Non-Costa Rican applicants must partner with at least one Costa Rican organization.

  • Lead applicants may apply alone or with co-applicants, all sharing responsibility for project implementation.

  • All applicants must comply with EU regulations, including restrictions on entities under EU restrictive measures.

Why This Programme Matters

  • Strengthens civil society capacity to influence policy and democratic governance.

  • Supports environmental sustainability and green innovation.

  • Promotes social inclusion, human rights, and gender equality.

  • Encourages digital participation and empowerment of marginalized communities.

  • Builds resilient and rights-based communities capable of contributing to EU-aligned policy reforms.

How to Apply / Project Guidelines

  • Identify the relevant lot (Lot 1 or Lot 2) based on project focus.

  • Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, activities, timeline, expected outcomes, and budget.

  • Demonstrate alignment with EU priorities, human rights frameworks, and gender-sensitive approaches.

  • Ensure eligibility of all partners, including local Costa Rican organizations if applicable.

  • Provide co-funding sources for the remaining portion of project costs.

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Failing to partner with a Costa Rican organization if lead applicant is foreign.

  • Not integrating gender perspectives or rights-based methodologies.

  • Submitting projects outside the priority thematic areas.

  • Ignoring EU regulatory compliance requirements.

  • Insufficiently demonstrating impact, feasibility, or alignment with Global Gateway objectives.

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Nonprofit legal entities in Costa Rica, EU Member States, or eligible countries, with foreign applicants partnering with a Costa Rican organization.

2. What funding is available?
EUR 2,160,000 across two lots: Lot 1 (EUR 400,000–600,000) and Lot 2 (EUR 200,000–320,000).

3. What percentage of project costs does the grant cover?
Between 75% and 90%, with applicants responsible for the remaining co-funding.

4. What are the focus areas for Lot 1?
Green transition, climate action, sustainable transport, environmental protection, and digital inclusion.

5. What are the focus areas for Lot 2?
Human rights, inclusive democracy, citizen participation, transparency, and civic engagement.

6. Are gender perspectives required?
Yes, projects must integrate gender perspectives, collect sex-disaggregated data, and use gender-sensitive indicators.

7. Can multiple partners be involved?
Yes, projects may include co-applicants, provided all partners meet eligibility requirements and share implementation responsibility.

Conclusion

This European Commission call for proposals offers a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations to strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and support inclusive development in Costa Rica. By funding innovative, rights-based, and sustainable initiatives, the programme empowers local actors to contribute meaningfully to social justice, environmental stewardship, and digital inclusion.

For more information, visit European Commission.