# Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/scs-800-23-gr-002-wha-120623-strengthening-government-through-civil-society-engagement/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/351331

> U.S. Mission to Costa Rica offered grants of up to $500,000 (at least $150,000) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make about 5 awards worth $1.0 million in total. Applications closed on February 19, 2024.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | SCS-800-23-GR-002-WHA-120623 |
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Costa Rica |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | February 19, 2024 |
| Award ceiling | $500,000 |
| Award floor | $150,000 |
| Expected awards | 5 |
| Total funding | $1.0 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.750 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Public International Organizations (PIOs)

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Is SCS-800-23-GR-002-WHA-120623 still open?

No. It closed on February 19, 2024.

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

U.S. Mission to Costa Rica accepted applications from nonprofits and colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

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

Closed February 19, 2024. 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 $500,000 each. About $1.0 million in total across about 5 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.