Deadline: 23-May-25
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is accepting applications for its Grant Program to help Costa Rican journalists report on crime more safely and effectively.
It focuses on crimes related to organized criminal networks and drug trafficking—including environmental, property, and violent crimes.
This grant will be awarded to a nonprofit organization that will train reporters, provide them with gear, and create better connections between journalists and municipal police, working through the Judicial Police (OIJ) and the Ministry of Public Security press offices. The goal is to improve the quality and safety of crime reporting.
Goals and Objectives
- This program will support safer and more robust and sophisticated crime reporting in Costa Rica. Many crimes go unreported because people are afraid to speak out. This includes crimes that harm the environment, property, and people. These crimes are often connected to organized crime and drug trafficking.
- The grant will fund an organization to:
- Train journalists to safely report on crime.
- Give reporters the equipment they need, such as protective vests and secure communication tools.
- Hold workshops with municipal police and OIJ agents to build trust and improve how journalists get information.
- Support a network of journalists covering crime in rural and coastal areas.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $100,000
- Award Floor: $40,000
Duration
- Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.
What they expect to see?
- At least 40 journalists trained.
- At least 10 joint events with police.
- More reporting about crime in areas that were previously silent.
- Safer practices among journalists when reporting on sensitive issues.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Individuals
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.