U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

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: 

• Strengthen governance, transparency, and rule of law to foster democratic norms, economic development, energy diversification, and security stability. 
• Build media literacy and resilience among the Bulgarian public against disinformation. 
• Promote the development of a robust independent media and civil society, including through the promotion of civic activism and volunteerism. 
• Promote activities that highlight the social and cultural connections between the United States and Bulgaria. 
• Protect and preserve Bulgarian cultural heritage. 
• Advance the socioeconomic inclusion of historically underserved and/or marginalized communities, including women, Roma and other minority groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, migrant populations, and disadvantaged youth. 
• Promote education and skills-building in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and environmental / clean energy sectors. 
• Increase cultural understanding and connectivity between the people of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

Participants and Audiences:

Audiences, which will vary by program and focus, include but are not limited to: students (at all levels), academics and think-tanks, government officials (at all levels), journalists and media professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and various underserved populations.  While not required, we encourage grantees to include components that reach audiences outside of Sofia, in regions with less exposure to the United States, including Northwest and Southeast Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast.

Applicants are encouraged to only submit one application per priority program area in a given funding cycle. Application on InfoReady