British Embassy Launches Bilateral Fund for Human Rights & Innovation in Costa Rica & Nicaragua
The British Embassy San Jose has launched a call for project proposals for its Bilateral Programme Fund 2017/2018. The fund aims to promote human rights, particularly for minority groups, strengthen justice systems, and boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Organisations and individuals from both countries can apply, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. These include demonstrating a strong track record of implementing projects that align with British foreign policy objectives and presenting a detailed, well-structured proposal that addresses priority areas such as good governance, human rights, or sustainable development.
The fund will support projects that deliver within one year, starting in April 2017 and ending by January 2018, with budgets between £5,000 and £10,000 in addition to co-funding. Successful projects should show strong buy-in from key beneficiaries and, for innovation and entrepreneurship projects, demonstrate a UK expertise link. Payments will be made in pounds sterling (GBP), with an option for USD for implementers based in target countries, subject to the FCO's official rate of exchange.
The bidding process has two stages: concept bid and full bid. The deadline for concept bids is 2 April 2017. These should be submitted in English to [email protected] with the title 'Bilateral Programme Fund 2017/2018 - [Implementer Name, Country Name]'. Areas of focus include promoting indigenous rights, combating modern slavery, empowering women, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Projects must demonstrate practical, high-impact interventions leading to transformational changes in policy and practice, and add value without duplicating other donor activities. They should also include a communications strategy to disseminate results.
The British Embassy San Jose invites eligible organisations and individuals to submit their concept bids for the Bilateral Programme Fund 2017/2018. Successful projects will contribute to promoting human rights, strengthening justice systems, and boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
