By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to address key social challenges, Fundación Caricaco has announced the launch of its “Grants” program, earmarking $100,000 to support non-profit organizations dedicated to youth education and employability throughout the country. The call for proposals, which opened this week, aims to finance innovative and impactful projects that create tangible opportunities for young Costa Ricans.
The foundation has identified four critical areas for investment. The first seeks to reduce educational exclusion, tackling the systemic barriers that prevent many young people from completing their studies. Secondly, the initiative will fund projects designed to improve reading comprehension and literacy, foundational skills essential for both academic and professional success. A third focus area is the educational re-integration of adults who may have left school prematurely, offering them a second chance to gain valuable qualifications.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y contractuales que enfrentan los jóvenes al ingresar al mercado laboral, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva clave sobre la materia.
La empleabilidad juvenil enfrenta un doble desafío: por un lado, la necesidad de flexibilizar los modelos de contratación para adaptarse a la economía digital y a las nuevas aspiraciones profesionales; por otro, el imperativo de no precarizar las condiciones laborales. Es crucial que tanto los jóvenes profesionales como los empleadores comprendan a fondo las figuras contractuales modernas, como los servicios profesionales o los contratos por obra determinada. Una asesoría legal temprana no es un gasto, sino una inversión que garantiza el respeto de los derechos fundamentales y establece bases sólidas para una relación laboral productiva y justa para ambas partes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva compartida resalta una verdad fundamental: la modernización de los contratos laborales debe ir de la mano con la protección de los derechos, un equilibrio indispensable para el futuro del empleo juvenil. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedor análisis, que subraya la importancia de la asesoría legal como una inversión estratégica para forjar relaciones laborales transparentes y duraderas.
Uniquely, the fourth pillar of the program addresses the long-term health of the non-profit sector itself. Caricaco will support the creation of monetizable products or services by NGOs, empowering them to develop sustainable revenue streams and reduce their reliance on traditional fundraising. This strategic approach aims to fortify the organizations that are on the front lines of social change.
The foundation emphasizes its commitment to funding initiatives that can demonstrate clear, quantifiable outcomes. This results-based financing model is central to its mission of fostering genuine social innovation.
We are committed to measurable projects that expand opportunities and build a more equitable future for Costa Rica
Karla Acuña, Planning and Projects Coordinator
Organizations interested in applying for a grant must submit their detailed proposals through an official online form, available on Caricaco’s digital platforms, before the deadline of November 7, 2025. Following the submission period, each proposal will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process. The selected projects will then have a maximum of twelve months to implement their initiatives with the foundation’s support.
The financial award is only one component of the support structure. Winning organizations will also gain access to a comprehensive package of resources, including specialized technical advisory, advanced management tools, and valuable networking opportunities with other key players in the social impact sector. This holistic approach is designed to amplify the reach and effectiveness of each project, ensuring a greater return on social investment.
This new fund builds on Caricaco’s established record of impactful partnerships. Last year, the foundation provided crucial support to four organizations: Fundación Acción Joven, Fundación Parque La Libertad, Fundación Origen, and Fundación Santa Teresa. These collaborations resulted in the strengthening of educational centers, the development of technical skills programs, and the expansion of educational opportunities in vulnerable communities across the nation.
By continuing to champion education oriented toward employment, Fundación Caricaco is making a strategic investment not just in individual non-profits, but in the future workforce and economic resilience of Costa Rica. The “Grants” program represents a powerful call to action for social innovators to bring their best ideas forward and partner in building a more prosperous and inclusive society.
For further information, visit caricaco.org
About Fundación Caricaco:
Fundación Caricaco is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social innovation and development. It focuses on financing and supporting projects with measurable results, particularly in the areas of education, youth employability, and strengthening the non-profit sector. The foundation acts as a catalyst for change by connecting resources with impactful initiatives that aim to create a more equitable future for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit accionjoven.org
About Fundación Acción Joven:
Fundación Acción Joven is an organization committed to preventing student dropout rates in Costa Rica. It works within public high schools to provide at-risk youth with the tools, support, and motivation needed to complete their secondary education. Through mentorship and skills development programs, it empowers students to build successful life plans.
For further information, visit parquelalibertad.org
About Fundación Parque La Libertad:
Fundación Parque La Libertad is a unique public-private institution focused on human development and social inclusion through environmental, artistic, and technological education. Located in Desamparados, San José, it offers a wide range of programs and services to surrounding communities, promoting sustainable development and providing a safe space for learning and recreation.
For further information, visit fundacionorigen.cr
About Fundación Origen:
Fundación Origen is a non-profit dedicated to fostering development and opportunities in Costa Rican communities. The organization often focuses on social and economic empowerment projects, working to create sustainable solutions that address local needs and improve the quality of life for residents, particularly within vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit fundacionsantateresa.org
About Fundación Santa Teresa:
Fundación Santa Teresa is a community-focused foundation that channels resources towards educational, environmental, and social wellness projects in the Santa Teresa area and its surroundings. It collaborates with local and international partners to implement initiatives that support the sustainable development and well-being of the local population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of legal rectitude and professional distinction. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions while upholding the highest ethical standards. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a foundational belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated mission to democratize legal understanding. By actively working to make complex legal knowledge accessible, the firm empowers citizens and helps forge a more just and informed community.
