Funder: U.S. Mission to Bulgaria
Due Dates: Rolling (until funds are depleted) | Final deadline: July 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Sofia time
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award | Project period: up to 12 months | Minimum request: $500
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen U.S.-Bulgaria ties through cultural, educational, and exchange programs with a clear U.S. element.
Key Information: Submit early—funds may be depleted before the final deadline; all proposals must include a U.S. connection.
Description
The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for its annual small grants program, designed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria. The program funds projects that highlight shared values, promote bilateral cooperation, and foster greater understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. All proposals must include a U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions.
Priority is given to projects that:
- Showcase American leadership and innovation (e.g., entrepreneurship, science, technology, energy, cybersecurity)
- Celebrate American culture and scientific advances
- Increase English language proficiency
- Build sustainable networks of U.S. exchange program alumni
- Forge partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian organizations (including joint degrees, exchanges, or training)
- Foster regional cooperation and people-to-people ties
- Promote study opportunities in the U.S. for Bulgarians and vice versa
- Support intellectual property rights and accurate media coverage of U.S. priorities
Special consideration is given to projects reaching audiences outside Sofia, especially in regions with less exposure to the U.S.
Due Dates
- Rolling submissions: Proposals are reviewed as received, subject to funding availability.
- Final deadline: July 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Sofia time.
- Recommendation: Submit as early as possible; funding may be exhausted before the final deadline.
- Project start: Projects should begin at least one month after review; applicants are encouraged to propose flexible start dates.
Funding Amount
- Maximum award: $25,000
- Minimum award: $500
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
- Total program funding: Subject to availability; awards made until funds are depleted
- Cost sharing: Not required
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs)
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
- Foreign public entities and governmental institutions
Ineligible: For-profit/commercial entities, programs for partisan political activity, charitable activities, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, institutional development, or duplication of existing programs.
Additional requirements:
- All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov.
- U.S. organizations must complete full SAM.gov registration.
- Foreign organizations (for awards under $500,000) need a UEI but may be exempt from full SAM.gov registration.
- Individuals do not need a UEI or SAM.gov registration.
Application Process
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Prepare application materials:
- Mandatory forms (SF-424 family for organizations, SF-424-I for individuals)
- Summary page (cover sheet)
- Proposal (max 10 pages) including objectives, activities, timeline, personnel, partners, monitoring/evaluation, and sustainability
- Budget and budget justification (SF-424A)
- Suggested attachments: CVs, letters of support, proof of non-profit status, UEI
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Submission:
- Email all application materials to SofiaGrants@state.gov
- Do not submit via Grants.gov or MyGrants
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Review:
- Proposals are evaluated for completeness, organizational capacity, program quality, U.S. component, budget, monitoring/evaluation, and sustainability
- A Grants Review Committee makes funding decisions
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Notification:
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome within a month of the application deadline
Additional Information
- Project activities must primarily take place in Bulgaria and target Bulgarian or regional (non-U.S. citizen) audiences.
- Special consideration for projects outside Sofia and for use of American Corners in Bulgaria.
- Branding: Awardees must follow U.S. Embassy branding and marking requirements.
- Reporting: Grantees must submit program and financial reports as specified in the award.
- Funding restrictions: No funds for UNRWA, entertainment, alcohol, or unallowable costs as defined in the guidelines.
For full program details, see the Annual Program Statement (PDF).
External Links
Contact Information