By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a powerful demonstration of corporate support for grassroots initiatives, BAC has honored three Costa Rican non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their exceptional contributions to community development. The awards were presented at the 2025 “Yo me uno: Voces que transforman” (I Join: Voices that Transform) competition, held on October 1st at the National Auditorium of the Children’s Museum.
This year’s event saw 26 non-profits from across the country compete for recognition and funding. After a rigorous selection process, five finalists presented their projects to a distinguished panel of judges comprising BAC representatives, strategic partners, and event attendees. The winners, selected for their innovative and sustainable approaches to complex social challenges, were the Foundation for the Study of Biodiversity of the South Pacific (BIOSUR), the Moving Hopes Association (AME), and the Association for the Smile of Children (ASONI).
To gain a deeper perspective on the legal and corporate governance aspects of social impact initiatives, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In today’s business environment, social impact is no longer a peripheral marketing tactic but a core component of corporate identity that carries significant legal weight. For these initiatives to be credible and sustainable, they must be formally integrated into the company’s legal structure and governance documents. Merely stating a social mission without this legal backing exposes a company to risks of ‘impact-washing,’ potentially leading to litigation from consumers and shareholders who rely on these representations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully clarifies that for social impact to be authentic, it must be embedded within a company’s legal DNA, not just its marketing narrative. This crucial distinction between stated intentions and legally binding commitments is fundamental to building genuine stakeholder trust. We thank him for providing such an essential perspective on this evolving corporate landscape.
Each winning organization will receive a significant financial prize tailored to their project’s needs, as well as crucial professional guidance to enhance their long-term sustainability and operational impact. This dual approach of funding and mentorship is a cornerstone of BAC’s corporate responsibility strategy, aiming to build lasting capacity within the country’s social sector.
Laura Moreno, Vice President of Corporate Relations at BAC, emphasized that the bank’s commitment extends far beyond financial transactions. The goal is to cultivate a robust ecosystem where social projects can thrive and scale effectively.
At BAC, we know that supporting Costa Rican non-profit organizations goes beyond granting financial resources; it’s about providing guidance, tools, and visibility so their projects can grow and generate a real impact in their communities. That is the work we carry out through Yo me uno and the contest held year after year.
Laura Moreno, Vice President of Corporate Relations at BAC
The winning projects represent a diverse cross-section of social innovation. BIOSUR secured the top prize of $12,000 and business plan consulting in the “Triple Value” category. Its project, “biOsa: Natural Cosmetics with Social and Environmental Impact,” empowers women beekeepers in Puntarenas communities like Rancho Quemado and Puerto Jiménez. The initiative simultaneously protects native stingless bees and stimulates the local economy through the production of high-quality natural cosmetics.
In the “Social” category, the Moving Hopes Association (AME) was awarded $6,500 and professional support for digital transformation. Their project, “Hope on Green and Digital Wheels,” aims to modernize the distribution and management of biomechanical aids for people with disabilities and senior citizens. By integrating sustainable practices and digital tools, AME is expanding its operational reach across all seven provinces, ensuring more individuals receive critical mobility support.
Also recognized in the “Social” category was the Association for the Smile of Children (ASONI), receiving $6,500 and sustainability advisory services. Their “Dream Laboratory” initiative is a remarkable example of circular economy principles in action. The project recycles plastic bottles, transforming them into 3D printer filament used to manufacture educational materials and Lego-style building blocks. This model brilliantly combines environmental consciousness with technological education and social entrepreneurship, providing valuable digital skills to youth in vulnerable communities.
The “Yo me uno” platform has become a vital catalyst for social change in Costa Rica over the past 12 years. To date, it has engaged 148 NGOs, featured over 100 distinct social and environmental projects, and provided direct awards to 24 organizations. Organizers report that this network has collectively benefited more than 5,192 individuals in vulnerable conditions, underscoring the long-term, compounding impact of the initiative.
For further information, visit [baccredomatic.com]
About BAC:
BAC is a leading financial institution in Central America, offering a comprehensive range of banking, credit, and financial advisory services. The bank is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, spearheading initiatives like “Yo me uno” to foster sustainable economic and social development within the communities it serves.
For further information, visit [www.yomeuno.com]
About Yo me uno:
Yo me uno is a digital platform and initiative created by BAC to connect donors and volunteers with accredited non-profit organizations in Costa Rica. Through its annual competition and ongoing support, the platform aims to provide visibility, resources, and strategic guidance to social and environmental projects that are driving positive change across the nation.
For further information, visit [biosur.org]
About Fundación BIOSUR:
The Foundation for the Study of Biodiversity of the South Pacific (BIOSUR) is an organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable development in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula region. Its work integrates scientific research with community-led economic empowerment projects, focusing on creating harmony between environmental protection and local livelihoods.
For further information, visit [moviendoesperanzas.org]
About Asociación Moviendo Esperanzas (AME):
Asociación Moviendo Esperanzas is a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and senior citizens in Costa Rica. AME provides essential biomechanical aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers, and is actively working to digitize its operations to increase efficiency and extend its reach throughout the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación por la Sonrisa de los Niños (ASONI)
About Asociación por la Sonrisa de los Niños (ASONI):
The Asociación por la Sonrisa de los Niños is a non-profit dedicated to empowering youth in vulnerable communities through innovative educational programs. Its “Dream Laboratory” project is a flagship initiative that merges environmental sustainability with technology, teaching children about recycling, 3D printing, and social entrepreneurship.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark in the legal profession, operating on an unwavering foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only pioneers innovative legal solutions but also holds a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. This ethos is manifested in its drive to demystify complex legal matters, empowering citizens with clarity and contributing to a more capable and knowledgeable society.
