U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS: Public Diplomacy Small Grants for Bilateral Engagement

STATUS Update June 1, 2025: The Embassy Sofia Small Grants Program is accepting proposals for Financial Year 2025. Proposals will be reviewed when funding is available. As such, you may not hear back from us immediately. Projects that start before September are unlikely to be reviewed in time. Please submit proposals no later than July 25th. All projects will be reviewed by August 22 with responses going out no later than August 29, 2025.

The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that align with U.S. administration objectives to make the U.S. safer, stronger, and more prosperous and comply with all Executive Orders. All programs must include a U.S. element, or clear connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote these priorities.

Priority Program Areas: Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following areas:

·        Programs showcasing American leadership and innovation—teaching U.S. best practices/achievements in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, science, technology, energy, and cybersecurity to secondary and university students, especially from regions outside major cities.

·        Programs that celebrate American culture, scientific advances, and innovation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

·        Programs that increase English language proficiency, unlocking economic opportunities, increasing understanding of U.S. policy priorities, and establishing an environment for even stronger future cooperation.

·        Programs that build active, sustainable networks of alumni from U.S. exchange programs or U.S. educational institutions who understand U.S. and Bulgarian shared priorities and advocate for them within their local communities.

·        Programs that forge partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian educational, cultural, or civic society organizations/institutions, including the development of joint- degree programs, internships, trainings or exchanges, in strategic areas like energy security/cooperation, cybersecurity, biotechnology, AI, etc.

·        Programs that foster closer people-to-people ties between Bulgarians and other U.S. allies/neighbors in the region—increasing trust and promoting regional economic and security self-sufficiency.

·        Programs that increase interest in and opportunities for Bulgarians to study in the United States and Americans to study in Bulgaria.

·        Programs that promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, enabling an environment for creative innovation and incentivizing new investments.

·        Programs that ensure accurate local media coverage of U.S. priorities/policies to audiences most susceptible to foreign propaganda; or programs that increase awareness of foreign actors’ efforts to undermine U.S. interests.

Deadlines and Funding Decisions: Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis based on the availability of funds. However, the final deadline for FY 25 proposals will be 5:00 p.m. Sofia time on July 25, 2025. We recommend submitting proposals when ready and not waiting until the July 25 deadline as funding may be depleted by then. No exceptions will be given for late or incomplete proposals. Note: see Submission Dates and Times in Part D below for more specific information.

Whenever possible, applicants should submit proposals for projects at least 2-3 months prior to anticipated program start dates. PDS Sofia is generally unable to approve/fund proposals that are submitted last minute and are slated to begin 1-1.5 months after they are submitted.

Please carefully review the full text of the Annual Program Statement in the Related Documents section.

The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.  This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that align with U.S. administration objectives to make the U.S. safer, stronger, and more prosperous and comply with all Executive Orders. All programs must include a U.S.  element, or clear connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote these priorities.

Priority Program Areas: Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following areas:

·        Programs showcasing American leadership and innovation—teaching U.S. best practices/achievements in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, science, technology, energy, and cybersecurity to secondary and university students, especially from regions outside major cities.

·        Programs that celebrate American culture, scientific advances, and innovation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

·        Programs that increase English language proficiency, unlocking economic opportunities, increasing understanding of U.S. policy priorities, and establishing an environment for even stronger future cooperation.

·        Programs that build active, sustainable networks of alumni from U.S. exchange programs or U.S. educational institutions who understand U.S. and Bulgarian shared priorities and advocate for them within their local communities.

·        Programs that forge partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian educational, cultural, or civic society organizations/institutions, including the development of joint- degree programs, internships, trainings or exchanges, in strategic areas like energy security/cooperation, cybersecurity, biotechnology, AI, etc.

·        Programs that foster closer people-to-people ties between Bulgarians and other U.S. allies/neighbors in the region—increasing trust and promoting regional economic and security self-sufficiency.

·        Programs that increase interest in and opportunities for Bulgarians to study in the United States and Americans to study in Bulgaria.

·        Programs that promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, enabling an environment for creative innovation and incentivizing new investments.

·        Programs that ensure accurate local media coverage of U.S. priorities/policies to audiences most susceptible to foreign propaganda; or programs that increase awareness of foreign actors’ efforts to undermine U.S.  interests.

Deadlines and Funding Decisions: Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis based on the availability of funds. However, the final deadline for FY 25 proposals will be 5:00 p.m. Sofia time on July 25, 2025. We recommend submitting proposals when ready and not waiting until the July 25 deadline as funding may be depleted by then. No exceptions will be given for late or incomplete proposals. Note: see Submission Dates and Times in Part D below for more specific information.

Whenever possible, applicants should submit proposals for projects at least 2-3 months prior to anticipated program start dates. PDS Sofia is generally unable to approve/fund proposals that are submitted last minute and are slated to begin 1-1.5 months after they are submitted.

Please carefully review the full text of the Annual Program Statement in the Related Documents section.

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that bolster the 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 a U.S. element, or clear 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 and promote shared values.  

!!!This Annual Program Statement is in the process of being updated!!!

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that bolster the 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 a U.S. element, or clear 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 and promote shared values.  

!!!This Annual Program Statement is in the process of being updated!!!

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that bolster the 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 a U.S. element, or clear 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 and promote shared values.

Priority Program Areas: Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes:

1.     Educational and Cultural Exchange

·        Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks.

·        Increase interest in and opportunities for Bulgarians to study in the United States and Americans to study in Bulgaria.

·        Forge strategic partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian educational, cultural, or civic society organizations/institutions, including the development of joint- degree programs, internships, trainings or exchanges, etc.

2.     Media and Civil Society Development

·        Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions.

·        Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation.

3.     Youth Empowerment and Economic Development

·        Promote leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation among secondary and university students, especially from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside metropolitan areas).

·        Develop youth skills in critical thinking, financial literacy, science, technology, engineering, and other areas that will help prepare Bulgarians for the workforce and encourage them to remain in Bulgaria after their graduation.

4.     Inclusion and Integration

·        Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, religious, linguistic, or ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth.

5.     Regional Cooperation

·        Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

6.     Environmental Sustainability

·        Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

Participants and Audiences: Project activities must take place or be initiated in Bulgaria and be directed towards Bulgarian audiences/participants. Audiences, which will vary by program and focus, include but are not limited to students (particularly at secondary and university levels), academics and think-tanks, government officials (at all levels), journalists and media professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and various underserved or vulnerable populations. 

While not required, special consideration will be given to projects including 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. 

Grantees are also encouraged to host programming and take advantage of existing resources at American Corners in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas, especially when programming involves youth (secondary/university) audiences. 

Please carefully follow the full application instructions which can be found in the “Related Documents” tab.  

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that bolster the 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 a U.S. element, or clear 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 and promote shared values.

Priority Program Areas: Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes:

1.     Educational and Cultural Exchange

·        Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks.

·        Increase interest in and opportunities for Bulgarians to study in the United States and Americans to study in Bulgaria.

·        Forge strategic partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian educational, cultural, or civic society organizations/institutions, including the development of joint- degree programs, internships, trainings or exchanges, etc.

2.     Media and Civil Society Development

·        Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions.

·        Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation.

3.     Youth Empowerment and Economic Development

·        Promote leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation among secondary and university students, especially from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside metropolitan areas).

·        Develop youth skills in critical thinking, financial literacy, science, technology, engineering, and other areas that will help prepare Bulgarians for the workforce and encourage them to remain in Bulgaria after their graduation.

4.     Inclusion and Integration

·        Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, religious, linguistic, or ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth.

5.     Regional Cooperation

·        Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

6.     Environmental Sustainability

·        Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

Participants and Audiences: Project activities must take place or be initiated in Bulgaria and be directed towards Bulgarian audiences/participants. Audiences, which will vary by program and focus, include but are not limited to students (particularly at secondary and university levels), academics and think-tanks, government officials (at all levels), journalists and media professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and various underserved or vulnerable populations. 

While not required, special consideration will be given to projects including 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. 

Grantees are also encouraged to host programming and take advantage of existing resources at American Corners in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas, especially when programming involves youth (secondary/university) audiences. 

Please carefully follow the full application instructions which can be found in the “Related Documents” tab.  

Small Grants Program Goals and Objectives: The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals for programs that bolster the 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 a U.S. element, or clear 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 and promote shared values.

Priority Program Areas: Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes:

1.     Educational and Cultural Exchange

·        Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks.

·        Increase interest in and opportunities for Bulgarians to study in the United States and Americans to study in Bulgaria.

·        Forge strategic partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian educational, cultural, or civic society organizations/institutions, including the development of joint- degree programs, internships, trainings or exchanges, etc.

2.     Media and Civil Society Development

·        Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions.

·        Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation.

3.     Youth Empowerment and Economic Development

·        Promote leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation among secondary and university students, especially from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside metropolitan areas).

·        Develop youth skills in critical thinking, financial literacy, science, technology, engineering, and other areas that will help prepare Bulgarians for the workforce and encourage them to remain in Bulgaria after their graduation.

4.     Inclusion and Integration

·        Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, religious, linguistic, or ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth.

5.     Regional Cooperation

·        Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

6.     Environmental Sustainability

·        Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

Participants and Audiences: Project activities must take place or be initiated in Bulgaria and be directed towards Bulgarian audiences/participants. Audiences, which will vary by program and focus, include but are not limited to students (particularly at secondary and university levels), academics and think-tanks, government officials (at all levels), journalists and media professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and various underserved or vulnerable populations. 

While not required, special consideration will be given to projects including 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. 

Grantees are also encouraged to host programming and take advantage of existing resources at American Corners in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas, especially when programming involves youth (secondary/university) audiences.