The First Call for Organisational Grants under the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria was officially launched on 30 July 2026.
With a total budget of EUR 4,000,000, the Call aims to support the strategic objectives of Bulgarian civil society organisations that promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
About the Programme
The EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria represents the largest commitment made to date by the donor countries—Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein—to civil society in Bulgaria.
The Programme has a total budget of more than EUR 23.46 million, provided through the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. Its objective is to support a vibrant and resilient civil society that protects and promotes democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
By the end of 2031, the Programme is expected to support approximately 300 initiatives implemented by civil society organisations.
Supporting the Strategic Objectives of Civil Society Organisations
The First Call for Organisational Grants under the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria aims to encourage strategic thinking among civil society organisations by providing support in the form of a lump sum for the implementation of multiannual organisational strategies and/or work plans (covering a period of at least two years). These strategies or work plans must include clear objectives, measurable results and credible approaches to achieving long-term impact.
The Call is expected to support between 13 and 40 organisations. Eligible applicants may receive grants ranging from EUR 100,000 to EUR 300,000 for a period of one to three calendar years between 2027 and 2029. No co-funding is required.
At least 12% of the funding available under the Call will be allocated as a priority to organisations working to promote the inclusion and empowerment of Roma people, including Roma women and girls.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by independent civil society organisations and community cultural centres (chitalishta) registered in Bulgaria that:
- have had legal personality for at least 60 months prior to the submission deadline;
- have a multiannual strategy and/or work plan;
- demonstrate an average annual turnover over the past four financial years not less than the annualised value of the grant amount applied for.
Partnerships are not eligible under this Call.
Timeline
- Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.
- Questions concerning the Call may be submitted until 20 September 2026.
- The supported projects may have a duration of between one and three full calendar years within the period 2027–2029.
- Approved organisations are expected to begin implementation in January 2027.
How to Apply and Where to Find Further Information
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the EGRANT online system.
Access to the system and full information on the terms and conditions of the Call are available in the Calls section of the Programme’s website.
Information Sessions
The Fund Operator will organise online and in-person information sessions for potential applicants.
The first information session will take place online on Monday, 3 August 2026, at 16:00.
The schedule of additional information sessions will be announced on the Programme’s website, civilsocietyfund.bg, under the Events section.
The EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
The Fund Operator of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is a consortium of civil society organisations led by the Open Society Institute – Sofia Foundation, in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation and Civil Society Norway.
The organisation responsible for managing the First Call for Organisational Grants is the Open Society Institute – Sofia Foundation.
