U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement

Description

1) Objective

PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

· Academic and professional seminars, conferences, and speaker programs;
· Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions featuring participants from the United States;
· Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
· Professional and academic exchanges and training programs;

Priority Program Areas are:

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), especially focused on assisting youth from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside major metropolitan areas).
· Strengthen the development of robust 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, including women, Roma and other minority groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth.
· Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including joint projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
· Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

2) Eligibility 

Eligible are NGOs, individuals, non-profit organizations or governmental educational and other institutions. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

3) Location 

Actions must take place in Bulgaria.

4) Budget

Grants may range from $500-$25,000. They want to fund 20 projects.

4) Application 

The application deadline is 2 August 2024.