A total of 32 organizations from 15 locations across Bulgaria will receive BGN 3,541,975 in funding under the Strong program to advance feminist solidarity and combat gender-based violence. The initiative will support civil society organizations working on the frontlines of these issues, including in the context of migration, domestic violence, and violence against LGBTIQ+ people.
The selection process was highly competitive, with 86 applications requesting a total of BGN 8,891,950. The evaluation committees included external experts chosen through the FORCE (Feminist Opportunities for Resilience and Community Empowerment) project evaluator competition, alongside members of the BFW program team. The final selection was approved by the Project Steering Committee.
The Strong – Feminist Solidarity to Counter Gender-Based Violence program is the largest funding initiative in the history of the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW). It is part of the BFW’s FORCE project and co-funded by the European Union.
Approved Organizations Under the FORCE Program
Here are the organizations awarded funding:
- The Wake-up Foundation, Sofia – BGN 117,000
- LGBT Youth Organization „Deystvie, Sofia – BGN 115,720
- Foundation „P.U.L.S.“, Pernik – BGN 117,320
- Association „Together for the Future“, Vidin – BGN 117,348
- Social Foundation „Indi-Roma 97“, Kuklen – BGN 89,900
- Association „NAYA“, Targovishte – BGN 117,336
- Zonta International, Area 05, District 30, Stara Zagora – BGN 117,347
- Bulgarian Platform to the European Women’s Lobby (EWL), Sofia – BGN 117,280
- Glas-Bulgaria, Sofia – BGN 116,951
- Institute for Counterintuitive Ideas, Haskovo – BGN 99,452
- Animus Association Foundation, Sofia – BGN 117,325
- Foundation for the Development of European Union Law in Bulgaria, Sofia – BGN 117,329
- Mission Wings Foundation, Stara Zagora – BGN 117,000
- Bilitis Resource Centre Foundation, Sofia – BGN 117,265
- Foundation „FLY – First Love Yourself“, Gabrovo – BGN 117,300
- Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, Sofia – BGN 67,540
- Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR), Sofia – BGN 117,330
- Lespectra Association, Sofia – BGN 109,970
- X and D Perspectives Foundation, Dimitrovgrad – BGN 117,340
- Foundation „EMPROVE“, Sofia – BGN 117,300
- Association „Multi Kulti Collective“, Sofia – BGN 105,570
- Women’s Association „Ekaterina Karavelova“, Silistra – BGN 115,040
- Bulgarian Association for People with Oncological and Other Diseases „Life“, Haskovo – BGN 114,506
- Association „Magna Silva“, Plovdiv – BGN 93,690
- Bulgarian Foundation for Business and Human Rights, Sofia – BGN 52,751
- Academica 245 Association, Antonovo – BGN 117,332
- Association „Amala – Friends“, Dupnitsa – BGN 117,302
- Foundation „Open Door Centre“, Sofia – BGN 115,800
- WOMANUP Foundation, Sofia – BGN 117,000
- Association „Demetra“, Burgas – BGN 117,340
- Dignita Foundation, Sofia – BGN 117,283
- Association „The Women of Kazanlak“, Kazanlak – BGN 117,008
About the FORCE Program
The FORCE program supports NGOs addressing gender-based violence through:
- Direct survivor support
- Advocacy for improved legislation
- Awareness campaigns and attitude changes
- Community mobilization
- Capacity building for professionals and institutions
Accompanying initiatives include organizational development training, fundraising workshops, advocacy, and networking opportunities to enhance capacity and institutional independence. These efforts aim to empower organizations with strategic planning skills and diversified financial resources.
Read more about the program HERE .
The FORCE project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Illustration: Judit Canela for Fine Acts
