Strategic goals

BCNL is part of the network of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), which work in more than 100 countries around the world to protect the right to freedom of association and develop the legal framework for civil society organizations.

Our mission is to work to change the laws and environment in Bulgaria so that people can associate freely and be civically active. Our top priority is the well-being of CSOs, which are the engine of any prosperous civil society.

We follow our mission, believing that CSOs can be sustainable and independent, be both a corrective and a partner to institutions, protecting our rights and freedoms and being a driver for the development of our society.

We follow our mission, believing that civil society organizations can be sustainable and independent, to be both a corrective and a partner to the institutions, protecting our rights and freedoms and being an engine for the development of our society.

Our strength is that we: have key expertise in a variety of areas important to the sector and can advise, train and/or develop the potential of organisations. We are guided by principles and values that underpin our stability. We learn continuously because the organisation, and the sector, is constantly evolving.

OUR VALUES: expertise, non-partisanship, willingness to work for the whole sector.

OUR MAIN OBJECTIVES:

  • To support the development and consolidation of an enabling legal and policy environment for independent civil society, including non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Bulgaria;
  • to promote the establishment of rules for transparency, accountability and an appropriate governance structure for NPOs and state institutions;
  • support better interaction between the state and NPOs; – support citizen participation in decision-making;
  • support the development of professional skills, knowledge and capacity appropriate for improving the legal framework for civil society, including for NGOs in Bulgaria;
  • Provide support to NGOs to address legal issues;
  • provide support for civil society legal reform in other countries and promote international cooperation;
  • to carry out activities to achieve other objectives determined by the Board of Trustees that do not conflict with the Foundation’s objectives and identity.

Over the past 23+ years, we have steadfastly pursued our mission to support the development and implementation of laws and policies to advance civil society, civic participation and good governance in Bulgaria. That is why the Foundation’s most outstanding achievements have been in the development of the working environment for CSOs and in improving their capacity

For 23 years, BCNL has achieved change that is important for people and CSOs at several levels:

A SUPPORTIVE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

We influenced over 20 regulations and policies to enable CSOs to operate in Bulgaria, raise donations, communicate their achievements and participate more easily in decision-making.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROPRIETY

We have helped over 5,700 organisations to make their legal documents, registrations and policies more robust and accountable. MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CAPABLE.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

Over 1,000 CSOs improved their skills to better develop advocacy plans, conduct mission-related business, build public-private partnerships, share their achievements, recruit support, and develop innovative models to support vulnerable individuals.

HIGH PROFILE

BCNL has established itself as a reputable organization in the NGO sector – a benchmark for good governance, accountability and advocacy for a better environment for CSOs in Bulgaria, with a team committed to the values and mission of the organization.

PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS

1. Development of the institutional environment in which CSOs work

An important element of the development of the environment is the creation of good conditions for operation, in which everyone can easily exercise their right to association and enjoy it. It is therefore important to continue to develop the institutional (legal and financial) environment in which organisations operate, including:

A) Development of policies and legislation that encourage and facilitate civic engagement and association.

B) Reducing administrative burdens and increasing opportunities for public and private funding.

C) Better modern and effective mechanisms for public consultation and citizen participation in decision-making.

D) Development of mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, with particular priority given to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and children.

2. Activation of civil society organisations

Protecting CSOs from attacks also goes through mobilization of community support and cooperation with other key community agents. Therefore, it is important for organizations to be able to have strong and stable partnerships with businesses, more opportunities to involve young people in direct activities of organizations. In order to keep their credibility, their proposals must also be linked to real problems and possible adequate solutions based on knowledge and progress. Therefore, our priority in the coming years is to continue increasing the capacity of organisations in different directions:

A) More resilient and independent organisations with greater administrative and financial capacity.

B) More and more visible advocacy campaigns – generic and sectoral.

C) Higher public support for CSOs and more supporters/partners/followers from other sectors and groups for their causes.

3. BCNL to maintain its key role as a opinion leader for civic sector development

You can read our entire strategic plan here.