Security for Journalists Covering Organized Crime in Costa Rica
Agency: U.S. Mission to Costa Rica
Assistance Listings: 19.040 -- Public Diplomacy Programs
Last Updated: April 9, 2025
Funding opportunity
Summary
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.
The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
1. Executive Summary...Priority Region: WHA, Central America, Costa Rica
Executive Summary
This project seeks 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. Many of these crimes go unreported because victims, communities, journalists, and even police are afraid. 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.
A. Eligibility
1. Eligible ApplicantsThe 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
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
N/A
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
B. Program Description
1. 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.
What we 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.
NOTE: The complete document with the instructions of the Notice of Funding Opportunity is in the Related Documents, as well as the Forms
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
PA Grant Applications
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| Application_Checklist_for_Individuals.pdf | Checklist for Individuals - verification documents required | Apr 9, 2025 05:02 PM UTC |
| Application_Checklist.pdf | Checklist for Organizations | Apr 9, 2025 05:05 PM UTC |
| SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf | SF424 Form for Organizations | Apr 9, 2025 05:06 PM UTC |
| SF424A-V1.0.pdf | SF424A Budget Information for both Individuals & Organizations | Apr 9, 2025 05:08 PM UTC |
| SF424B-V1.1_1.pdf | SF424B For both if required - Individuals & Organizations | Apr 9, 2025 05:11 PM UTC |
| SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0.pdf | SF424 I for Individuals | Apr 9, 2025 05:12 PM UTC |
| Security_for_Journalists_NOFO_2025.pdf | Notice of Funding Opportunity Document (Instructions) | Apr 9, 2025 05:23 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Closing: May 23, 2025
Award
$100,000
Program Funding
2
Expected awards
$100,000
Award Ceiling
$40,000
Award Floor
Funding opportunity number:
PD-0001-FY2025
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Mandatory
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Security for Journalists Covering Organized Crime
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
April 9, 2025
Archive date:
June 25, 2025
