Defensa de Niñas, Niños Internacional - DNI Costa Rica

What Defensa de Niñas, Niños Internacional - DNI Costa Rica does

Defensa de Niñas, Niños Internacional – DNI Costa Rica is a nonprofit association headquartered in Barrio las Américas de Moravia, San José, Costa Rica, founded in 1994 and operating with a 15-person staff. The organization is the Costa Rican section of the global Defence for Children International movement (founded 1979, 45+ national sections) and holds Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC, Operational Relations with UNESCO, Participatory Status with the Council of Europe, and Special Listing with the ILO, alongside Costa Rica's Declaratoria de Utilidad Pública. Its core function is delivering child-rights advocacy and direct community programs for vulnerable children, adolescents, and families across all seven provinces of Costa Rica and five additional Central American countries.

The program portfolio is organized around educational initiatives (Programa 180 Grados, PUEDO, Clubes STEAM, Clubes Vocacionales, and Espacios de Tutorías Pedagógicas LIBROS y SUEÑOS), community-participation projects (Proyecto ParticipArte and Red ParticipArte), and humanitarian programming (UNHCR-supported protection for refugee and asylum-seeking children and adolescents). These programs are delivered through direct field operations and partnerships with local organizations, schools, PANI, INAMU, CONACOES, and CONATT.

The revenue model is donation-based and diversified across individual giving (Huella Bronce $14-$40, Huella Plata $40-$80, Huella Oro $80-$120/month subscriptions plus one-time donations starting at $10), program sponsorship ('padrinazgo'), legacy/testamentary bequests, and institutional grants from organizations such as UNHCR/ACNUR, Solidaridad Internacional Infantil, and Ayuda en Acción. Acquisitions occur primarily through the dejatuhuella.dnicostarica.org digital platform, social media campaigns (#SoyDNI, #HágaseAmigo, #AmigosDNI), and email/petition channels; corporate partners receive tax-deductible treatment under public-utility status. The organization states that 100% of donations are allocated to social programs and audited annually.

Name

Defensa de Niñas, Niños Internacional - DNI Costa Rica

Legal name

Defensa de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes - DNI Costa Rica

Website

https://dnicostarica.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DNI Costa Rica is a 31-year-old nonprofit child-rights organization affiliated with the global Defence for Children International movement, delivering educational, advocacy, and humanitarian programs for vulnerable children, adolescents, and families across Costa Rica and Central America, funded through tiered individual donations and institutional grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Child Rights Advocacy and Social Welfare Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAN

Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGAKAH

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGADAH

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

Keywords

• Children rights advocacy
• Child protection services
• Community education programs
• Humanitarian aid programs
• Social welfare services

Headquarters

HQ city

San José

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual supporters contribute through one-time or recurring monthly/annual donations via online platforms. Tiers include Huella Bronce ($14-$40), Huella Plata ($40-$80), and Huella Oro ($80-$120+), as well as ad-hoc donations starting at $10. The organization states that 100% of funds raised are directed to social programs.
2. Program Sponsorship and Padrinazgo: Corporate and individual supporters can sponsor specific programs such as ParticipArte, 180 Grados, PUEDO, Clubes STEAM, Clubes Vocacionales, and LIBROS and SUEÑOS tutoring programs. The organization holds Declaratoria de Utilidad Pública status, enabling tax-deductible corporate contributions.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Institutional Funding: DNI Costa Rica receives institutional funding and programmatic support from international organizations including UNHCR/ACNUR (for refugee and asylum-seeking children programs), Solidaridad Internacional Infantil (for ParticipArte), and AYUDA EN ACCIÓN. These partnerships provide both project-based and core funding.
4. Legacy Giving and Testamentary Bequests: The organization promotes leaving a legacy through testamentary bequests, described as one of the most meaningful ways to leave a lasting impact for children and adolescents in Costa Rica.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DNI Costa Rica is a nonprofit association that defends the rights of children, adolescents, and youth through educational, community participation, and humanitarian protection programs in Costa Rica and Central America. Its core offerings include educational programs (180 Grados, PUEDO, Clubes STEAM, Clubes Vocacionales, Tutorías LIBROS y SUEÑOS), the ParticipArte child-participation initiative, and a refugee-child protection project executed with UNHCR. The organization funds this work through tiered individual donations (Huella Bronce, Plata, Oro), corporate sponsorships, and institutional grants.

Product overview

DNI Costa Rica operates as a human rights organization offering a portfolio of educational and social programs for children, adolescents, and their families. The core educational offerings include programs such as Programa 180 Grados, PUEDO, Clubes STEAM, Clubes Vocacionales, and Espacios de Tutorías Pedagógicas LIBROS y SUEÑOS, which provide academic support, vocational guidance, and STEAM education. The organization also runs community programs like Proyecto ParticipArte and Red ParticipArte for youth advocacy and empowerment. Funding is facilitated through a tiered donation system (Huella Oro, Huella Plata, Huella Bronce) under the 'Deje su Huella' campaign, allowing supporters to contribute at various levels. Humanitarian initiatives include protection programs for refugee and asylum-seeking children, implemented in partnership with organizations like ACNUR.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Deje su Huella Campaign: Donation and membership campaign offering tiered giving levels (Huella Bronce, Huella Plata, Huella Oro) for supporters.
• ParticipArte Project
• Programa 180 Grados

Products and services

• Programa 180 Grados An educational program that addresses the educational, social, and economic needs of children, adolescents, and their families, supporting their development.
• Programa PUEDO Educational program supporting the development and empowerment of children and adolescents.
• Clubes STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics clubs for children and adolescents.
• Clubes Vocacionales Vocational clubs for adolescents to explore career pathways and professional development.
• Espacios de Tutorías Pedagógicas LIBROS y SUEÑOS Pedagogical tutoring spaces focused on literacy and dreams, providing academic support to children and adolescents.
• Huella Oro (Gold Footprint Donation Tier) Premium monthly donation tier with options of $80, $100, or $120 per month, enabling continuous support to DNI's programs.
• Huella Plata (Silver Footprint Donation Tier) Mid-level monthly donation tier with options at $40, $60, or $80 per month, supporting ongoing organizational activities.
• Huella Bronce (Bronze Footprint Donation Tier) Entry-level monthly donation tier with flexible options starting at $14, making participation accessible to all supporters.
• Proyecto ParticipArte Initiative promoting active participation of children and adolescents in political advocacy, social communication, and community transformation, supported by Solidaridad Internacional Infantil.
• Red ParticipArte Network of artistic and participatory programs connecting children and adolescents across communities for collective advocacy.
• Red Monarca Network initiative connecting DNI programs and communities for shared learning and collaboration.
• Programa de Protección y acceso a los derechos de NNAs refugiados y solicitantes de asilo Humanitarian program focused on the protection and access to rights of refugee and asylum-seeking children and adolescents, executed with support from UNHCR (ACNUR).

Quantifiable outcome

• Active in all 7 provinces of Costa Rica and 5 Central American countries since 1994, with programs reaching Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) - United NationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica holds Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC, providing a formal voice in UN processes related to children's rights and enabling participation in intergovernmental discussions on child welfare policy.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica maintains Operational Relations with UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, supporting advocacy and programming in education and child development.
• Council of EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica holds Participatory Status with the Council of Europe, enabling engagement in European policy processes related to children's rights and human rights frameworks.
• International Labour Organization (ILO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica has Special Listing status with the ILO, the International Labour Organization, supporting work on child labor, adolescent workers' rights, and protection of children in the formal and informal economy.
• UNICEF Committee of NGOscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the Committee of NGOs for UNICEF, contributing to global advocacy and programs for children's rights and participating in UNICEF's institutional processes.
• Child Rights ConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of Child Rights Connect and its working commissions, engaging in international advocacy for children's rights and participating in the work of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
• Global March Against Child Labour / Marcha GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica holds a Regional Representative position on the Board of Directors of Marcha Global, a worldwide movement against child labour, supporting coordinated international action.
• III Optional Protocol CampaignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the III Optional Protocol Campaign, advocating for the adoption of the Third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure.
• Red Andi América Latina (via DNI-Comunica con Respeto)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of Red Andi América Latina through the DNI-Comunica con Respeto initiative, a regional network promoting respectful communication with and about children.
• RedNatic (Red de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes por el Derecho al Uso Seguro y Responsable de las TIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of RedNatic, a network dedicated to promoting children's and adolescents' rights to safe and responsible use of information and communication technologies.
• CONACOES (Comisión Nacional Contra la Explotación Sexual Comercial)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of CONACOES, the National Commission Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, coordinating national efforts to prevent and address this form of exploitation.
• CONATT (Coalición Nacional Contra el Tráfico Ilícito de Migrantes y la Trata de Personas)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of CONATT, the National Coalition Against Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons, contributing to protection efforts for vulnerable children and adolescents.
• Alianza por el AguaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the Water Alliance, a coalition working on water rights and access issues relevant to children and families in vulnerable communities.
• Global Partnership to End Violence Against ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, an international alliance working to prevent and respond to violence against children worldwide.
• International Detention Coalition (IDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the International Detention Coalition, contributing to advocacy against immigration detention of children and promoting alternatives to detention.
• Solidaridad Internacional InfantilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a partner of Solidaridad Internacional Infantil, supporting the ParticipArte project that promotes active participation of children and adolescents in political advocacy and community transformation.
• ACNUR / UNHCR Costa RicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a partner of UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) in Costa Rica, executing the project 'Protection and access to the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking children and adolescents,' providing administrative and programmatic support.
• AYUDA EN ACCIÓNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a partner of Ayuda en Acción, an international development organization, collaborating on programs for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations.
• PANI (Patronato Nacional de la Infancia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica works with PANI, Costa Rica's national child welfare institution, on multiple projects including the Local Office of Aserrí, San José Oeste and Tibás, and coordination on child protection programs.
• Red de PAZminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNI Costa Rica is a member of the PAZ Network, contributing to peace-building efforts and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence and non-violent environments for children and adolescents.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Aldeas Infantiles SOS Costa Rica: Leading Costa Rican NGO delivering direct child welfare, family strengthening and youth programs. Comparable mission around child protection and at-risk youth, with a deeper residential care model.
• World Vision Costa Rica: International child-focused humanitarian organization running sponsorship, education and protection programs across Costa Rica. Highly comparable funding model (child sponsorship) and program categories.
• Fundación PANIAMOR: Costa Rican foundation focused on child and adolescent rights, with overlapping interests in violence prevention, policy dialogue and rights-based programming. Directly comparable advocacy positioning.
• Save the Children Costa Rica: International child rights NGO active in Costa Rica and Central America with overlapping focus on protection, education and adolescent empowerment. Similar donor base and partnership architecture with UN agencies.
• Ayuda en Acción: Spain-headquartered international development NGO that is both a funder and an operational peer of DNI Costa Rica. Comparable program portfolio for vulnerable children and families in Latin America.
• Casa Alianza Costa Rica (Covenant House): NGO providing shelter, protection and advocacy for children and adolescents living on the streets or at risk in Costa Rica. Comparable target population and rights-based intervention model.

Broad incumbents

• Defence for Children International (DCI): Global parent movement of which DNI Costa Rica is a national section. Directly comparable mission and rights-based framework; operates the international coordination that DNI Costa Rica plugs into.
• UNICEF Costa Rica: UN agency responsible for child rights in Costa Rica. DNI works alongside UNICEF through the Committee of NGOs; UNICEF both a partner and a broader incumbent shaping the funding landscape.

Regional players

• Fundación Ser y Crecer: Costa Rican foundation referenced in DNI's network that works on child sexual abuse prevention. Comparable regional scope and child protection focus, though narrower programmatic mandate.

Others

• Child Rights Connect: International coalition of which DNI Costa Rica is a member; focused on UN-level advocacy for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Comparable advocacy mandate but operates as a coordinating network rather than direct implementer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/defensa-de-ni%C3%B1as-ni%C3%B1os-internacional---dni-costa-rica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Defensa de Niñas, Niños Internacional - DNI Costa Rica