Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose announces a Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to promote democratic institutions, accountability, and good governance in Costa Rica with up to $1,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period between 12-24 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is June 1, 2024. Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy San Jose intends to issue approximately three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Each award will be for an amount between $150,000 and up to $500,000 for each NOFO. Applications are due on February 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (Washington, D.C).

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) re-establish 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.

Specific objectives and indicators should be included in the proposals that allow the organization to measure and demonstrate progress. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, to train members of law enforcement, or to provide social services.

Ideal projects will focus on one or more of the following objectives:

Objective 1: Strong democratic institutions that foster protection of human rights.

Objective 2: Increasing civil society's role in environmental governance.

Objective 3: Capable governance in the coastal provinces of Puntarenas and Limon that promotes social inclusion.

U.S. Embassy San Jose invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, U.S. and overseas-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) to apply.

U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the scope of eligible projects, the application submission requirements, and the review process.