The British Embassy in San José has opened a call for proposals from civil society organizations in Costa Rica to fund small-scale projects that use public data to advance human rights and environmental protection.


The embassy is offering up to $10,000 per project for innovative proposals that demonstrate how open data can be used to create meaningful impact in Costa Rica.


Eligible applicants include legally constituted non-governmental, non-profit, civil society, and multilateral organizations based in Costa Rica. Groups must have proven experience in public data use, civic technology, environmental or human rights advocacy, and community engagement.


“This funding supports our commitment to promoting government transparency, accountability, and fairness through data-driven civil society initiatives,” the embassy said in a statement.

 

The embassy noted it is particularly interested in projects that:

• Promote transparency and accountability through public data.

• Strengthen data literacy and civic engagement.

• Enhance community capacity to access, analyze, and use public data.

• Address human rights and environmental challenges with data-driven solutions.

• Foster inclusion of women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

• Establish sustainable data practices that continue beyond the funding period.

Projects will run from October 20, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Proposals must be submitted in U.S. dollars, with administrative costs capped at 10% of the total budget.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 28, 2025 (Central America time) and must be submitted to Denise.Lewis@fcdo.gov.uk.

For additional information, interested groups may call (506) 2258-2025, email ukin.costarica@fco.gov.uk, or visit the embassy’s website.

This marks the embassy’s second major funding opportunity in Costa Rica this year. Recently, the U.K. government launched a $95,000 grant program for short-term projects aimed at preventing modern slavery and human trafficking while strengthening human rights protections.

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Which local groups in Costa Rica are working on human rights or the environment and could use this support? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com