Deadline: 08-Jul-2020
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica of the U.S. Department of State has announced an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program (or project) in the following focus areas:
- Improve the quality of English language education at the preschool, elementary, secondary and higher education levels;
- Improve the quality of, and access to, science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and mathematics (STEAM) education for girls at the elementary and secondary education levels;
- Inspire entrepreneurship in under-represented communities particularly among migrant, women, Afro–descendent, and indigenous communities.
Project Objectives
- The Public Affairs Section (hereafter, PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica (hereafter, Embassy) works with government and non-government partners throughout Costa Rica to improve mutual understanding between the people of Costa Rica and the United States, and to expand and improve educational opportunities for Costa Ricans (including English language, STEAM, and entrepreneurship, among other priorities) in order to support sustainable and inclusive economic development.
- The goal of the projects solicited through this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to complement Embassy initiatives to promote mutual understanding through cultural, educational, and professional development programs. Proposals should address one or a combination of the following areas: English, entrepreneurship, and/or STEAM education.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $100,000
- Length of performance period: 1 to 18 months
Participants and Audiences
Depending on the project, 7 to 30 years old, from economically disadvantaged communities, including those outside the San Jose metropolitan area.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Costa Rica-based:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
Evaluation Criteria
- Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve
- Objectives – 25 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
- Monitoring and evaluation plan – 20 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The project includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.
- Organizational or Individual Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 10 points: The organization or individual has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
- Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed (including quantity descriptions) of each budget item included. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
- Sustainability – 10 points: Project activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the project.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327578