Deadline: 2-Mar-25
The U.S. Embassy San Jose of the U.S. Department of State announces applications to carry out a program to support the development of strong, capable, and accountable government in Costa Rica; with civil society demanding government accountability without reprisal of their rights and can influence policy outcomes.
The NOFO and submitted proposals should focus on Pillar II of the Root Causes Strategy (RCS): Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working in partnership with governments, including subnational governments such as municipalities, to (1) create safe streets for the citizens of the region; (2) disrupt the movement of criminals and contraband to, within, and between the nations of Central America; (3) support the development of strong, capable, and accountable Central American governments; (4) reestablish effective state presence, services and security in communities at risk; (5) foster enhanced levels of coordination and cooperation between the nations of the region, other international partners, and donors to combat regional security threats; or (6) a combination of these activities.
Objectives
- Ideal projects will focus on one or more of the following objectives:
- Objective 1: Strong democratic institutions that foster protection of human rights and civil liberties.
- Strong and accountable democratic institutions are the basis of good governance, social inclusion, and protection of human rights. Post is interested in proposals that strengthen institutional responses to citizen’s needs while promoting inclusion of underserved populations. Potential projects include development of spaces to promote social dialogue to protect and advance human rights, especially among vulnerable populations. Similarly, proposals may also enable mechanisms to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to effectively implement human rights commitments. Potential projects could also include activities by CSOs working to improve interagency coordination to address the incidence of trafficking in persons. Projects may also strengthen democratic institutions by supporting civic engagement at all levels of the electoral processes.
- Objective 2: Increasing civil society’s role in environmental governance.
- Civil society organizations play a key role in developing, implementing, and advancing environmental policies, across multiple scales but especially at the local level. Promoting civil society’s role in these processes proves fundamental to ensure vibrant and resilient communities that promote sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, especially in areas where ecosystems are harmed by the presence of illicit activities such as illegal logging and narcotics trafficking. Proposals may support local organizations that enhance sustainable fisheries while disincentivizing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Potential projects include development and execution of policies that enhance marine protected areas. Projects could also strengthen community-based water management organizations to ensure equal access to clean water. Proposals may also advance climate adaptation capabilities at the local level to promote resilient communities in the face of climate change.
- Objective 3: Capable governance in the coastal provinces of Puntarenas and Limon that promotes social inclusion.
- Capable governance institutions effectively address the most pressing needs of citizens. Post seeks projects that advance this objective in the provinces of Puntarenas and Limon. Proposals may include actions to strengthen employability, governance, and jobs policy, including improved interagency coordination to address employment exclusion. Proposals may be with employers, labor unions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective employment inclusion strategies. Proposals may also address underlying social and economic barriers that hinder educational opportunities for certain groups, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social exclusion.
- Objective 1: Strong democratic institutions that foster protection of human rights and civil liberties.
Funding Information
- Funding Amount: $500,000 U.S. Dollars
- Award Ceiling: $250,000
- Award Floor: $250,000
Participants and Audiences
- Proposals should focus on vulnerable populations that may include, but not be limited to, women and girls, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, people of African descent, members of racial and ethnic minorities, refugees and internally displaced persons, members of religious minorities, LGBTQI+ persons, rural residents, migrants, and individuals adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
Expected Results
- By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has (1) improved government services to provide public resources and publish data, (2) made government stronger, more capable, and accountable, (3) strengthened civil society organizations to promote accountability and improve their role in environmental governance, and/or (4) contributed to safer and more productive communities through improved government services.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and international public organizations (IPOs) and other qualified organizations that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. Local Costa Rican NGOs are highly encouraged to apply.
- To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non‐discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.
- Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.
- The Department of State will issue an award to the Applicant whose application represents the best value to the U.S. Government based on technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. The Department of State reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.
- U.S. Embassy San Jose encourages applications from potential new partners.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.