ABOUT
MISSION
Strengthening Costa Rica’s nonprofit sector through
philanthropy, partnership, and trust.
Amigos of Costa Rica connects meaningful causes with the philanthropic resources they need to create lasting social, environmental, and community impact. Through fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit capacity building, donor engagement, and transparent fund management, we help strengthen the organizations working every day to improve lives and protect the places that make Costa Rica unique.
HISTORY
From Shared Purpose to Collective Impact
Amigos of Costa Rica was created in 1999x to connect people who care about Costa Rica with the organizations working every day to strengthen its communities and protect its natural resources.
Over time, that vision has evolved into a growing network of nonprofit organizations, donors, businesses, and partners united by a shared commitment to creating lasting impact. Today, Amigos supports more than 100 affiliated organizations while helping build a stronger, more connected philanthropic ecosystem for Costa Rica.
MISSION
HISTORY
Strengthening Costa Rica’s Nonprofit sector through
philanthropy, partnership, and trust.
Supporting Costa Rica’s nonprofits in building best possible future for Costa Rica through philanthropy, partnership, and trust.
Through fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit capacity building, donor advising, private sector partnerships, and transparent fund management, we help strengthen the organizations working every day to improve lives and protect the places that make Costa Rica unique.
From Shared Purpose to Collective Impact
Amigos of Costa Rica was created in 1999 to provide a way for international funds to flow into important social and environmental development projects around the country. As one of a group of organizations formed in response to the USAID departure from Costa Rica in the mid 1990s, Amigos of Costa Rica is proud of its origins as an organization founded on the belief that philanthropy plays an important role in Costa Rica’s development.
Over time, that Amigos has evolved into a growing network of nonprofit organizations, donors, businesses, and partners united by a shared commitment to creating lasting impact. Today, Amigos supports more than 100 affiliated organizations while helping build a stronger, more connected philanthropic ecosystem for Costa Rica.
HOW WE WORK
Our impact model relies on community, connection, and transparency
Through fiscal sponsorship and nonprofit capacity building we help organizations grow stronger and create lasting impact. With donor engagement and transparent fund management we create a an environment where trust is created through accountability and connectedness. By engaging with private sector partners, we source new philanthropic funds and build new donor relationships to support meaningful change across Costa Rica.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN SERVICE
The Amigos of Costa Rica Board of Directors brings together philanthropists, business leaders, community advocates, and professionals with diverse expertise and a shared commitment to Costa Rica.
Flip for a closer look at their background and experience.
Mario Mikowski
Stacey Moreau
Daniel Uribe
Adam Baker
Stuart Graff
Cathy Kading
Raquel Moya Sánchez
Katherine Stanley-Obando
Dennis Troper
Nataly Rubinstein
Sergio Villa
Ann Becker
AMIGOS' STAFF
Emily Arnold
Executive Director
Since 2017, Emily has guided Amigos of Costa Rica through a period of transformative growth, expanding its reach, strengthening support for affiliate organizations, and increasing philanthropic engagement across the country. With graduate degrees in international affairs and sustainable development, she brings a deep commitment to community-led impact and nonprofit capacity building. Based in Pennsylvania, Emily remains actively involved in community initiatives and is passionate about creating opportunities that help organizations and people thrive.
Adriana Alfaro
Affiliate Coordinator
Adriana is a Costa Rican nonprofit professional with extensive experience in project management, communications, fundraising, and community engagement. Over the past decade, she has supported organizations working in wildlife conservation, civic leadership, emergency services, recycling, and environmental restoration along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Shaddey Mc Calla
Assistant to the Executive Director
Born in Costa Rica with Afro-Caribbean roots and a multicultural upbringing, Shaddey brings a unique blend of creativity, organization, and global perspective to her work at Amigos. Trained as an architect, she has built a career across design, operations, and entrepreneurship, always driven by a genuine interest in people and cultures. She joined Amigos as a way to contribute to meaningful change and give back to the country that first shaped her.
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
Trust Is Built Through Transparency
Every donation represents someone’s belief in a better future. We honor that trust through responsible financial stewardship, ethical governance, and a commitment to transparency in how resources are managed and invested.
Learn more about our financial reports, organizational policies, and the practices that help ensure every contribution supports meaningful impact across Costa Rica.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Whether you’re looking to support a cause or grow your nonprofit organization, we’re here to help. Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about how Amigos of Costa Rica works and how you can get involved.
Donors and Partners FAQs
What is Amigos of Costa Rica?
Amigos of Costa Rica is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects donors, foundations, businesses, and philanthropic initiatives with trusted nonprofit organizations across Costa Rica. Through fiscal sponsorship, capacity building, and nonprofit support services, Amigos helps strengthen organizations while making it easier for donors to create meaningful social and environmental impact.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Donations made through Amigos of Costa Rica are eligible to be tax-deductible to the extent allowed under U.S. law. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 31-1714653, Amigos provides donors with the documentation required for eligible charitable contributions.
How does fiscal sponsorship work?
Fiscal sponsorship allows donors to make contributions eligible for tax-deductions through Amigos in support of nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in Costa Rica. Amigos receives and administers the funds, provides financial oversight, and ensures donations are distributed and used in accordance with approved charitable purposes and reporting requirements.
Can I support a specific Nonprofit organization?
Yes. Donors may choose to support a specific affiliated organization, Amigos’ Fund, or Amigos of Costa Rica itself. Amigos works with a network of vetted Nonprofit organizations throughout Costa Rica, allowing donors to align their giving with the causes, communities, and impact areas they care about most. If you’d like to support a Nonprofit that is not currently affiliated with Amigos of Costa Rica, please let us know.
How does Amigos ensure accountability and transparency?
Amigos maintains strong financial oversight, governance practices, and reporting standards. Affiliated organizations participate in annual reporting, compliance reviews, and ongoing transparency processes designed to promote accountability and responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources.
What is the 3% administrative fee?
An administrative fee, usually of 3%, is applied to donations received through Amigos, separate from any payment processing fees charged by third-party providers. This fee helps support fiscal sponsorship services, Nonprofit capacity building, donor support, compliance monitoring, financial oversight, and the operational infrastructure required to strengthen Costa Rica’s Nonprofit sector.
How are affiliated organizations vetted?
Organizations undergo an application and review process that evaluates factors such as governance, mission alignment, organizational capacity, and legal standing. Once affiliated, organizations participate in annual reporting and transparency processes designed to support accountability and continuous improvement.
What causes and organizations can I support?
Amigos supports a diverse network of Nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, conservation, community development, health, emergency response, arts and culture, youth development, and social services throughout Costa Rica.
We also created the Amigos Philanthropic Funds, a variety of year-round campaigns to benefit multiple communities in areas such as Animal Welfare, Disaster Relief and Education.
Can I make recurring, corporate, or foundation gifts?
Yes. Amigos welcomes recurring donations as well as contributions from corporations, foundations, family funds, and other philanthropic partners. Our team can also help identify giving opportunities aligned with specific impact goals.
Who can I contact for assistance?
Our team is happy to help answer questions about donations, nonprofit organizations, fiscal sponsorship, and giving opportunities. Please contact us through the Donor Advisor button below to discuss your philanthropic interests.
Nonprofit FAQs
What is an Amigos affiliate organization?
An affiliate organization is a registered Costa Rican nonprofit that has been accepted into the Amigos network and participates in our transparency, reporting, and capacity-building programs. Affiliates gain access to fundraising opportunities, fiscal sponsorship services, coaching and training, and visibility.
How do we become an affiliate?
Organizations may apply through the Amigos website. Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with our mission, nonprofit status, governance practices, and commitment to transparency and community impact. Prospective affiliates must have an up-to-date personeria juridica, a bank account in the organization’s name, sound financial management practices, and impactful projects.
Visit “For Non Profits” to access requirements and guidelines
What are the benefits of affiliation?
Affiliated organizations gain access to U.S.-based fiscal sponsorship, fundraising opportunities, donor visibility, capacity-building resources, training programs, and ongoing support designed to strengthen organizational sustainability and impact.
How does fiscal sponsorship help our organization?
Fiscal sponsorship enables organizations to receive tax-deductible donations from U.S. donors through Amigos of Costa Rica. This helps expand fundraising opportunities while providing donors with confidence, oversight, and a trusted giving mechanism.
What reporting and compliance requirements are expected?
Affiliates participate in an annual reporting process that includes organizational updates, financial information, program outcomes, governance updates, community impact data, and strategic priorities. Organizations may also be asked to provide supporting documentation as part of ongoing compliance efforts.
What resources and training are available through the Affiliate Portal?
The Affiliate Portal (launching Sept, 2026) provides access to training materials, learning resources, organizational tools, compliance documentation, reporting forms, and updates designed to support nonprofit growth and organizational development.
How do we receive donations and request fund transfers?
From Oct 1, 2026, organizations can view donation activity, available balances, and submit fund transfer requests through the Affiliate Portal. Amigos reviews requests and processes transfers according to established financial procedures and reporting requirements within 5 business days.
What fees are associated with affiliation and fundraising?
Amigos retains a 3% administrative fee on donations received through its fiscal sponsorship program, in addition to any applicable third-party payment processing fees.
Who can we contact for support?
The Amigos Affiliate Coordinator is available to assist affiliate organizations with fundraising questions, reporting requirements, portal access, training resources, compliance processes, and general organizational support.