Deadline: 13-Feb-23
The U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a Statement of Interest to implement programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Costa Rica through cultural, exchange, and outreach activities that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation.
Purpose of Annual Program Statement Programs:
- The San Jose PD Section provides funding for well-conceived programs that promote increased understanding of the United States’ values, culture, foreign policy priorities, and/or people among the Costa Rican public through one of the Priority Program Areas outlined below. Competitive proposals may incorporate a connection with an American expert(s), organization(s), institution(s), or other element that promotes increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives, and/or strengthens ties between the United States and Costa Rica.
- Proposals must address one or more of the following strategic priority program areas:
Priority Program Areas:
- Programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility including but not limited to skill building, engaging U.S. and Costa Rican experts to raise awareness, cultural programming, sports, or educational opportunities.
- Programs that advance climate action, including but not limited to engaging U.S. and Costa Rican experts to raise public awareness, address environmental justice, and/or encourage eco-friendly entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Programs that promote media literacy and/or combat disinformation.
- Activities that foster long-term student and academic collaboration between U.S. and Costa Rican universities, technical schools, and community colleges, particularly in the fields of STEAM and English language teaching.
- Small grants ($10,000-20,000) to emerging NGOs that strengthen civil society or develop leadership skills and opportunities for at-risk youth in communities outside the San Jose metropolitan area.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: 12 months.
- Number of awards anticipated: 4-8 awards (dependent on amounts).
- Award Amounts: Award Floor: $10,000; Award Ceiling: $60,000.
- Total available funding: $150,000.
Target Audiences in Costa Rica:
- Women and girls.
- Migrant-receiving communities.
- Afro-descendant populations.
- Indigenous communities.
- Youth from underserved communities.
- Rural and semi-rural populations outside the San Jose metropolitan area.
- NGOs and think tanks.
- National and regional media.
- Cultural and educational leaders.
- Next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, university campus leaders).
Activities
Activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to:
- Public-facing programs that include U.S. subject matter experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc.
- Academic and professional lectures and seminars.
- Skills building and education programs that help young people learn technology-based job skills.
- Professional and academic exchanges and programs.
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions.
- Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of the exchange programs.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Diplomacy Section will consider applications from the United States and Costa Rica. Individuals and registered not-for-profit organizations, including civil society/non-governmental organizations with relevant programming experience are encouraged to apply.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Note: U.S. and Costa Rican NGOs and individuals may apply, but preference will be given to Costa Rican NGOs or partnerships that develop capacity with Costa Rican NGOs. Third country organizations and individuals are not eligible.
- Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.