Deadline: 29-Sep-2026
The Rolling Call for Small Grants under the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria supports small civil society projects that strengthen democracy, human rights, inclusion, and civic participation. It offers €10,000 to €25,000 per project for 6–12 months with no co-financing requirement. The programme is designed for small and community-based organisations to build capacity and respond to local social challenges.
What is the EEA Civil Society Fund (Small Grants) in Bulgaria?
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Programme is a funding mechanism that supports civil society organisations (CSOs) in Bulgaria.
It is part of the EEA and Norway Grants scheme, funded by:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
The programme aims to reduce social and economic disparities while strengthening democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The fund supports initiatives that contribute to:
- Stronger democratic participation
- Protection of human rights
- Social inclusion and equality
- Civil society capacity building
- Community resilience and response to social challenges
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects in four main thematic areas:
1. Democracy and Civic Participation
- Encouraging citizen engagement
- Strengthening democratic processes
- Supporting local civic initiatives
- Improving access to public decision-making
2. Human Rights and Social Justice
- Anti-discrimination initiatives
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Gender equality promotion
- Support for vulnerable and marginalized groups
3. Organisational Development
- Strengthening CSO capacity
- Improving governance and management systems
- Building sustainability of organisations
- Enhancing cooperation between CSOs
4. Response to Ukraine-Related Challenges
- Supporting communities affected by the invasion of Ukraine
- Social inclusion of displaced or affected groups
- Community resilience and integration initiatives
- Access to information and services
What the Programme Supports
Funded projects may include:
- Civic engagement and participation initiatives
- Human rights awareness campaigns
- Media literacy and information integrity activities
- Anti-discrimination and equality programmes
- Environmental protection and climate action projects
- Community development initiatives
- Organisational capacity building
- Support services for vulnerable groups
Funding Details
- Grant size: €10,000 to €25,000 per project
- Project duration: 6 to 12 months
- Total programme budget: €4,150,000
- Co-financing: Not required
- Funding type: Small, flexible grants
Who is the Programme For?
The programme is specifically designed for:
- Small civil society organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Local initiatives with limited capacity
- Organisations working with vulnerable groups
It prioritises accessible funding for smaller actors in civil society.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Independent civil society organisations registered in Bulgaria
- Non-profit legal entities
- Chitalishta (community cultural centres)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered in Bulgaria
- Meet national non-profit legal conditions
- Operate as independent civil society organisations
Who is NOT Eligible?
The following are NOT eligible:
- Political parties
- Religious institutions
- Social partner organisations (ineligible under this call)
- Cooperatives
- Professional interest-only organisations
Programme Priorities
Projects should contribute to:
- Strengthening democratic values
- Protecting human rights
- Enhancing civic engagement
- Improving access to reliable information
- Promoting equality and inclusion
- Strengthening organisational capacity
- Responding to Ukraine-related social impacts
Why This Programme Matters
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Programme is important because it:
- Supports grassroots civil society initiatives
- Strengthens democracy at the local level
- Promotes human rights and equality
- Builds resilience in vulnerable communities
- Encourages civic participation and engagement
- Helps small organisations access funding easily
It plays a key role in strengthening civil society in Bulgaria through accessible and flexible funding.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Project Idea
- Choose focus area (democracy, rights, inclusion, etc.)
- Define community need
Step 2: Prepare Application
Include:
- Project objectives
- Target groups
- Activities and timeline
- Budget plan
Step 3: Submit Proposal
- Apply under rolling call format
- Ensure eligibility compliance
Step 4: Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to programme priorities
- Expected impact
- Feasibility and methodology
- Organisational capacity
- Sustainability
Step 5: Funding Decision
- Selected projects receive €10,000–€25,000
- No co-financing required
Step 6: Implementation
- Projects implemented over 6–12 months
- Reporting and monitoring required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with democracy or human rights goals
- Overly complex or unrealistic project design
- Missing eligibility documentation
- Ignoring target group relevance
- Lack of clear outcomes or indicators
- Applying as an ineligible organisation type
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on clear community-level impact
- Keep project design simple and realistic
- Show strong relevance to local needs
- Highlight inclusion and vulnerable groups
- Ensure strong organisational clarity
- Align activities with one or more priority areas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the grant amount?
Between €10,000 and €25,000 per project.
2. Do applicants need co-financing?
No, co-financing is not required.
3. Who can apply?
Registered civil society organisations and chitalishta in Bulgaria.
4. What is the duration of projects?
6 to 12 months.
5. What are the main focus areas?
Democracy, human rights, organisational development, and Ukraine-related challenges.
6. Who funds this programme?
Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway under the EEA and Norway Grants.
7. Are political or religious organisations eligible?
No, they are excluded from this call.
Conclusion
The EEA Civil Society Fund Small Grants Programme in Bulgaria provides accessible and flexible funding to strengthen democracy, human rights, and civic participation at the grassroots level. By offering €10,000–€25,000 in small grants without co-financing requirements, it empowers community-based organisations to deliver meaningful social impact, build resilience, and support inclusive and democratic development across Bulgaria.
For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.
