Security for Journalists Covering Organized Crime in Costa Rica

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