Security for Journalists Covering Organized Crime in Costa Rica

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 SummaryPriority 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 MatchingN/A

3.  Other Eligibility RequirementsAll 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 thereby contributing to a safer hemisphere. 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.
• Give target audiences a better understanding of the United States, including an understanding of how organizations in the United States work to keep journalists safe when reporting on crime.

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 thereby contributing to more robust and sophisticated crime reporting in Costa Rica that makes the hemisphere safer.
• Applications should include a U.S. element in their proposal that will help target audiences better understand how organizations in the United States work to keep journalists safe when reporting on crime.

NOTE: The complete document with the instructions of the Notice of Funding Opportunity is in the Related Documents, as well as the Forms