Description

This grant opportunity, offered by the U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), funds projects that advance the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and U.S. foreign policy objectives. The program seeks to support initiatives that foster mutual understanding, highlight American excellence, and promote cooperation in strategically important sectors. Projects should deliver measurable impact, encourage long-term collaboration, and benefit both the United States and Bulgaria.

Priority areas include:

• Freedom250: Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting American history, diplomacy, culture, and innovation, and connecting these themes to future U.S.-Bulgarian cooperation.
• American leadership and innovation: Showcasing U.S. achievements and best practices in fields like entrepreneurship, science, technology, energy, cybersecurity, and more, with emphasis on practical, locally applicable solutions.
• Education, exchanges, and workforce development: Expanding English language learning, promoting study in the U.S., strengthening academic and professional exchanges, and building institutional partnerships.
• Strong alliances and regional resilience: Promoting public understanding of the importance of U.S.-Bulgarian and allied cooperation for regional stability, security, and economic resilience.
• Entrepreneurship and transparent economic growth: Encouraging entrepreneurship, financial literacy, intellectual property protection, and stronger business, educational, and technological ties.

Programs must include a clear U.S. element—such as collaboration with American experts or institutions—and primarily target Bulgarian or regional (non-U.S. citizen) audiences.