The "Security for Journalists Covering Organized Crime in Costa Rica" grant, offered by the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica, aims to support and enhance the safety and effectiveness of journalists who report on crime in the region. This initiative targets the challenges faced by reporters covering organized criminal networks and drug trafficking, which often include violent, environmental, and property-related crimes. These crimes frequently go underreported due to fear among victims, journalists, communities, and even local law enforcement. The grant will fund efforts to protect and empower journalists to safely pursue their investigative work.
The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to improve crime reporting in Costa Rica by training journalists, equipping them with necessary protective gear, and fostering stronger relationships with local and judicial police forces. Specific actions include training at least 40 journalists, facilitating at least 10 collaborative events between journalists and police, and encouraging more reporting from underrepresented areas. This initiative also includes the creation of a support network for journalists operating in rural and coastal regions where crime reporting is particularly limited.
The grant funds are specifically intended for nonprofit organizations that will deliver the training, provide security equipment like vests and secure communication tools, and coordinate with municipal police and judicial agencies such as the OIJ and the Ministry of Public Security. The anticipated outcomes include safer practices among journalists and more extensive media coverage of organized crime, especially in areas that previously lacked such reporting.
Eligibility is open to not-for-profit organizations including think tanks and NGOs, as well as Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov and be registered on the same platform. Individuals are also eligible to apply and are exempt from the UEI and SAM.gov registration requirements.
Applicants must submit completed application forms, including the SF-424 series and relevant checklists provided with the notice. The grantor has also indicated that the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity, along with required forms and an applicant checklist, is available on the official funding page. Submissions must comply with the listed documentation and instructions.
Evaluation will be based on the ability to meet project goals, especially in training journalists and improving relationships between the press and law enforcement. The grantor expects measurable outcomes such as the number of trained journalists, number of police engagement events, and increased reporting from silent regions. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by the closing date.
The application window opened on April 8, 2025, and will close on June 23, 2025. The grant is not offered on a rolling basis but may recur. The maximum award is $100,000, with a minimum of $40,000 per project. No cost-sharing or matching is required. The opportunity falls under the "Other" category, with a focus on improving security for journalists.
