WHAT IS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION?

Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Costa Rica are nonprofit organizations made up of local residents. Their fundamental goal is to promote social, economic, and environmental development.

These entities are of public interest but governed *by private law, allowing them to take actions that **benefit their communities. They work in *collaboration with institutions, municipalities, and other public and private organizations.

These associations operate under the Community Development Law (Law No. 3859) to encourage communities and state organizations to contribute to Costa Rica’s economic and social development. They are **supervised by the National Directorate of Community Development (DINADECO).

Communities wishing to organize and undertake integral or specific development activities may do so through district, cantonal, regional, provincial, or national associations, all governed by Law 3859.

WHY ARE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS IMPORTANT?

✅ They improve quality of life

• Manage infrastructure, education, health, environmental, and cultural projects.

✅ They provide access to funds and resources

• Can receive government funding and other resources to carry out community projects.

✅ They encourage citizen participation

• Allow residents to take part in decision-making about their community’s development.

✅ They promote self-management

• Empower residents to work together on local solutions without relying solely on the central government.

✅ They strengthen social bonds

• Foster cooperation and a sense of belonging among residents.