Illustration: Fátima Bravo for Fine Acts
Nearly 1 million BGN will be distributed among 25 organizations from 11 cities in Bulgaria to implement projects promoting and defending core European Union values, including equality, human dignity, and human rights. These values, recently facing severe challenges in Bulgaria, remain vital to democracy.
The approved projects will address critical issues such as combating gender-based and domestic violence, advocating for the rights of women, children, LGBTI+ individuals, patients, and other vulnerable groups. The initiatives will impact dozens of towns and villages nationwide, with updates on their progress and activities to be shared in phases.
From 139 submitted applications requesting a total of BGN 5,110,243, the final selection underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Each application was reviewed by external and internal evaluators, with some cases requiring a third review. The Project Steering Committee approved the final list of selected projects.
The funding of BGN 956,717 is provided by the Values Program under the BIRDS in BG project. This initiative aims to uphold fundamental human rights, strengthen democratic participation, foster citizen engagement, and advance the promotion of EU values across Bulgaria.
Approved Recipients Under the Values Program:
- Association for Shared Learning ELA, Sofia – BGN 39,080
- Lespectra Association, Sofia – BGN 35,420
- Neurodiversity Bulgaria Foundation, Sofia – BGN 39,098
- Alliance for Sustainable Regional Development, Ruse – BGN 39,100
- Women in Action Foundation, Ruse – BGN 36,700
- Future Perfect Foundation, Shumen – BGN 39,110
- Foundation in Support of Women Suffering Violence (FLY – First Love Yourself), Sofia – BGN 39,112
- Documentary Media Foundation, Sofia – BGN 39,000
- For Hope Foundation, Plovdiv – BGN 39,116
- NISHKA Collective, Plovdiv – BGN 29,820
- Balkanistic Forum Association, Blagoevgrad – BGN 39,000
- Area 05 District 30 Zonta International, Blagoevgrad – BGN 39,100
- Znanie Association, Stara Zagora – BGN 38,576
- The Social Teahouse Foundation, Varna – BGN 39,095
- Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, Sofia – BGN 39,095
- Positive Skills of the Personality in the Social Environment Foundation (P.U.L.S.), Pernik – BGN 15,095
- Roma World – 21st Century Foundation, Sofia – BGN 39,000
- Rhodope Fund for Women – Poprelki, Smolyan – BGN 38,550
- Center for Independent Living Association, Sofia – BGN 39,100
- National Association for Foster Care, Sofia – BGN 38,400
- Access to Rights Foundation, Sofia – BGN 39,100
- Kikimora and Kikimora Foundation, Sofia – BGN 38,100
- Danaya Foundation, Sofia – BGN 39,100
- Open Doors Situation Center Foundation, Sofia – BGN 38,560
- Health Without Borders Association, Sofia – BGN 37,370
Support Mechanisms Under the BIRDS in BG Project
The BIRDS in BG project provides various support mechanisms to strengthen civil society organizations in Bulgaria. These include:
- Capacity-building training delivered by partners such as the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) and Impact Drive.
- Funding through the Open Opportunities program which is designed to help organizations adapt to unforeseen external challenges, such as crises, security issues, emerging advocacy opportunities, and awareness-raising needs.
For more details on the Open Opportunities program, visit the project’s resources.
About the Values Program
The Values Program aligns with the overarching mission of BFW and its partners to foster an inclusive, sustainable, and pro-democracy civil society in Bulgaria. It offers support to independent civil society organizations operating at local, regional, and national levels.
The program focuses on organizations that:
- Defend and promote fundamental human rights.
- Advance gender equality.
- Uphold EU values, the rule of law, and democracy.
- Raise awareness about these essential principles.
Through these efforts, the Values Program contributes to building a stronger and more democratic civil society in Bulgaria.
The BIRDS in BG project is co-financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the issuing body can be held responsible for them.
