The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, is seeking applications for a Cooperative Agreement to implement an 18-24 month project titled “Gender Based Technical Assistance for Shelters.”

This project seeks to provide technical assistance to at least three existing shelters in Limón and Alajuela, Costa Rica, to strengthen and support response to victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence. This project will develop a comprehensive training methodology for shelters to provide therapy services in interpersonal violence prevention and self-management techniques for adolescent and young adult victims of gender-based and domestic violence. The project will also support the shelters in developing the necessary connections with the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica to support victims in completing their basic education (i.e. elementary and/or high school).

Project Goal

Develop a technical assistance program for at least three shelters in Limon and Alajuela, Costa Rica, including therapy services and basic educational opportunities, to support adolescent and young adult victims of gender-based and domestic violence.

Objectives

• Objective 1: Increase the capacity of local governments of Costa Rica to provide protection to adolescent victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence in vulnerable communities.
• Objective 2: Improve the capacity of the selected shelters to conduct meaningful trainings that will allow victims to avoid violent situations.
• Objective 3: Promote exchange of best practices for gender-based violence and domestic violence victim service providers and local authorities.

Funding Information

INL expects to award one (1) cooperative agreement based on this NOFO. The anticipated total federal funding amount is $100,000. The period of performance should be between 18 to 24 months.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for this NOFO is limited to the following applicant types:

• Costa Rica-based non-profits or NGOs
• Costa Rica-based private/state educational institutions

AND

• Applicants must have demonstrated experience implementing similar capacity building programs, preferably in Costa Rica. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
• Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Spanish and English. Relevant members of the applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
• Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
• Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
• Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time.

To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub-awards issued under this grant award. INL encourages applications from potential new partners.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.