U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program
U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This program aims to strengthen the people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.
Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that include an American cultural element or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions. The programs should promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and foster shared values. Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes:
Promote leadership skills, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and innovation among secondary and university students.
Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria, especially through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks.
Boost public understanding of and support for Bulgaria’s role as a strong NATO Ally as it celebrates its 20th year in the Alliance.
Develop youth skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), with a focus on underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities.
Strengthen independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions.
Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation.
Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities.
Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region.
Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that address climate change and advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.
Participants and Audiences
Audiences for the programs will vary and may include students, academics, government officials, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and underserved or vulnerable populations. Proposals that reach audiences outside of Sofia, particularly in regions with less exposure to the United States, will be considered more competitive. American Corners in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas can be utilized for programming involving youth audiences.
Eligibility and Deadlines: Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Sofia time on December 29, March 29, or August 2. Grants will be awarded based on the evaluation of proposals by grant panels in January, April, and August. Priority will be given to early submissions, and funding may be exhausted before the August review if there are enough qualified proposals already recommended for funding. Applicants should submit proposals at least 2-3 months prior to the anticipated program start dates.
Note: Certain types of programs are not eligible for funding, including partisan political activities, charitable activities, construction programs, and programs that support specific religious activities.
For more detailed information on submission dates, times, and funding decisions, please click here: https://bg.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-opportunities/