# Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/scs-800-21-gr-001-wha-042221-strengthening-government-through-civil-society-engagement/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/333026

> U.S. Mission to Costa Rica offered grants of up to $250,000 (at least $100,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 4 awards worth $750,000 in total. Applications closed on June 22, 2021.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | SCS-800-21-GR-001-WHA-042221 |
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Costa Rica |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 22, 2021 |
| Award ceiling | $250,000 |
| Award floor | $100,000 |
| Expected awards | 4 |
| Total funding | $750,000 |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.750 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based NGOs, U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education. A consortium of non-profits can apply together as long as there is one lead organization submitting the proposal, and public international organizations.

## What the grant funds

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen government institutions through civil society engagement. U.S. Embassy San Jose intends to issue awards in an amount not to exceed $750,000 in Economic Support Funds (ESF) , pending availability of funding. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2021, and project periods should not exceed two years. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity. This assistance will support United States government objectives and are accomplished through the promotion of prosperity, and improvement of governance under the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Within Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama), the United States works with partner nations to strengthen institutions to counter the effects of organized crime, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Institution building is coupled with both prevention projects that dissuade at-risk youth from turning to crime and gangs and community policing projects that engage local communities on citizen security issues. 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 non U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education to submit proposals that include an implementation strategy focused on: Strong, Capable and Accountable Governments through Governance, an objective of U.S. assistance for Central America. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working with governments to improve the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central Valley but within Costa Rica. These proposals will assist or complement central/local/municipal government efforts to increase and improve services. Proposals should facilitate citizens’ abilities to hold the government accountable for its responsibilities. Proposals cannot provide direct support to the central, regional, or municipal governments of Costa Rica. Applicants should address the following objective: Objective: Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services.

## Questions people ask

### Is SCS-800-21-GR-001-WHA-042221 still open?

No. It closed on June 22, 2021.

### Who can apply for Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement?

U.S. Mission to Costa Rica accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement?

Closed June 22, 2021. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $250,000 each. About $750,000 in total across about 4 awards.

### Who has won Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Assistance Coordination (WHA/AC) Grant Programs grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, Pan American Development Foundation, Inc., Wildlife Habitat Council, Inc. The program made 68 awards worth $63.6 million in that time.