The objective of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria (CSF) is to contribute to a strong, vibrant and resilient civil society protecting and promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
The allocation for CSF in Bulgaria is nearly 23 465 000 EUR and is funded entirely through the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, which represent Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s contribution to reducing social and economic disparities in the European Economic Area and to strengthening the bilateral relations with 15 countries from the EEA, one of which is Bulgaria.
The Fund is aiming to provide support in the following key areas:
- Democratic values, civic engagement, information integrity and media literacy
- Civil society participation in democratic processes
- Human rights, anti-discrimination, and social justice
- Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights
- Climate action, environmental protection, and a just green transition
- Organisational development and an enabling environment for civil society
Alongside, CSF will support Roma empowerment, including Roma organisations and Roma women and girls, as well as refugees and migrants. Other specific for Bulgaria areas of work will be the challenges faced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and actions against gender-based violence.
The Fund encourages initiatives in partnership with organisations from the three donor countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The operator of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is a consortium of civil society organisations led by the Open Society Institute – Sofia, with the participation of the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation, and Civil Society Norway (Frivillighet Norge). The operator was selected following an open and competitive tender procedure.
The closing date of the operational period of the Fund is 29.02.2032.
CSF includes the following mechanisms for support:
- Organisational grants up to 300 000 EUR with an implementation period of up to 3 years in support of the strategic goals, annual plans and organisation development of CSOs whose mission and long-term activities are related to the protection and promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
- Targeted funding of CSO initiatives in the range of 50 000 – 2000 EUR and an implementation period of up to 3 years in the key areas of the Fund, contributing to the resilience of civil society and its role in promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
- A rolling call for small initiativies, supporting CSO projects with a funding of up to 25 000 EUR and an implementation period of up to one year in the key areas of the Fund, as well as the promotion of Roma inclusion.
- An emergency fund in the event of crisis and unexpected opportunities with funding of up to 20 000 EUR and an implementation period of up to 6 months.
- A bilateral fund for the promotion of cooperation with organisations from the donor countries
- A fund for regional initiatives
- Measures to build the capacity of civil society organisations to develop project proposals and implement approved projects.
For detailed descriptions of the opportunities and the terms for support visit the website of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria.
Contacts:
Elitsa Markova, project manager
Email: emarkova@osi.bg
