Costa Rica rural community support fund

$8500 USD distributed among local community projects.

Building a hanging bridge for pedestrians over the Río Claro, was one of the projects approved  by the Osa Community Fund (FACOSA), that you have supported with GlobalGiving.  According to Lucas, a resident of the area: "The community of San Josecito has 70 inhabitants, among which, there are 6 seniors, 2 people with some kind of physical disability and many children".   

The nearest health clinic (or EBAIS) and high school is 10 km from the community and the only way out of the place is by the river. When winter comes, unfortunately, the community remains isolated, as the river becomes uncrossable. “During 3½ years we have been soliciting funds and looking for alternatives to build this bridge and it was not until now that this project looked as a real possibility. We are grateful to the Corcovado Foundation and FACOSA, because after 3 ½ years looks like our community is finally getting this much needed improvement” finished Lucas.

The other two projects that received funding are located in the community of Rancho Quemado. This proactive community submitted four proposals for FACOSA of which 2 were approved. Both projects are of great importance for promoting the economic development of the community. Jessica is one of Rancho Quemado’s local leaders and president of La Esperanza (The Hope) Women Group Esperanz, which was one of the winning projects. According to her, "Thanks to this funding, we can pay for much needed training for our group”. This training will be provided by the women's group "The Cabuya Account" of Cartago, who have extensive experience in this activity. The group has finished buying the materials and equipment required and it is committed to achieve their vision:  organized women, improving the quality of life of their families and their community and working together in harmony with the environment.

In total, $8,500 were distributed among the 3 projects were selected with the collaboration of a multi-agency committee. FACOSA funds are collected by Corcovado Foundation through GlobalGiving, http://www.globalgiving.org.

The Corcovado Foundation is responsible for the administration of the funds and the monitoring of the projects without adding any additional cost. Therefore, every dollar collected goes directly to support community projects. 

The third project funded by FACOSA aims to make Rancho Quemado’s Osa Community Trail accessible for the elderly and disabled. The community aims to offer a differentiated tourism product in the area. This trail will attract tourists generating demanded of products and services in the community of Rancho Quemado.

The Corcovado Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable use of natural resources as a way to alleviate the pressure that exists on the priceless natural resources of the Osa Peninsula.