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Call for Proposals: Open Data Fund for Central America 2025/2026
Open call for MCF open data project, with implementation in Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador between September 2025 and March 2026.
Connecting Civil Society through Open Data: Strengthening the Capacities of Civil Society Actors in Central America
Financed by:
- Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy (MCF), Government of the United Kingdom
Duration:
- September 15, 2025 to March 31, 2026
Budget:
- $70,000 USD
Geographical scope:
- Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador
Convocatoria:
- We are looking for an implementing organisation with regional experience to carry out the project. We invite eligible entities to submit proposals that strengthen citizen participation, transparency and digital inclusion.
Background
Open data is an essential tool for strengthening transparent and participatory governance. This project seeks to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) in Central America so they can access, interpret and use public data effectively.
Project objectives:
- empower civil society with tools and training to to use public data in advocacy and oversight processes
- foster regional collaboration between organisations to build a resilient open data ecosystem
- promote inclusive participation of women, people with disabilities and marginalised communities
- support evidence-based advocacy to influence public policies and monitor government performance
- amplify impact through communication strategies and visibility effort
Focus areas
- digital inclusion and connectivity
- gender equality
- disability inclusion
- climate resilience
- governance and citizen participation
Implementing partner profile:
- organisation registered in Costa Rica, Guatemala or Panama (registration in three countries not required)
- proven capacity to operate regionally, including in El Salvador
- experience in open data, civic technology or digital rights
- financial stability for at least two months before the first disbursement
- strong commitment to gender equality and inclusion
- government agencies are not eligible
Key deliverables:
- regional mapping and needs assessment
- tailored capacity development and training strategy
- delivery of inclusive training in at least four countries
- communication strategy to share results and promote open data
- final report with recommendations for future collaborations
Project timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Launch of call for bids | August 12, 2025 |
| Deadline for submissions | August 31, 2025 |
| Preselection | September 1 to 5, 2025 |
| Due diligence | September 8 to 19, 2025 |
| Signing of MOU | September 22 to26, 2025 |
| Project start | September 22to 26, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Final report | June 2026 |
Evaluation criteria
Based on the criteria document, the following will be evaluated:
- alignment with FCDO and SDG objectives
- technical feasibility and methodology
- regional scope and partnerships
- gender and inclusion strategy
- value for money and sustainability
- engagement with government institutions
How to apply
Proposals must be submitted by August 31 2025 (23:59 GMT) via this online form.
Terms of reference:
Updates to this page
Published 14 August 2025