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 Stronger Together: Engaging Other Sectors in CSO Initiatives

Project Timeline: 36 months (2026–2028)

Project Overview and Problems Addressed

The project responds to the increasingly hostile and uncertain environment for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bulgaria, marked by legislative attempts to restrict civic space, public attacks against CSOs, weakened mechanisms for civil dialogue, and chronic underfunding—particularly for organizations working on rights, democracy, and public accountability. At the same time, public expectations toward CSOs are rising, while a majority of citizens report little or no direct contact with civil society. Collaboration between CSOs and the private sector remains fragmented and largely limited to ad hoc charitable actions, reducing the sector’s collective capacity to respond to systemic threats and to contribute to democratic resilience.

Main Objectives

1. To protect and improve the legal and policy environment for civil society organizations in Bulgaria.

2. To empower CSOs to act visibly, credibly, and jointly in public debates and democratic processes.

3. To strengthen the financial independence and long-term sustainability of CSOs.

4. To reinforce the organizational capacity, public recognition, and financial stability of the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL).

Key Strategies and Activities

  • Mobilizing broad CSO coalitions to respond to legislative threats and advocate for positive reforms.
  • Monitoring legislation and public narratives through early warning and rapid response mechanisms.
  • Building cross-sector partnerships with businesses and media to amplify civic impact.
  • Strengthening public communication, advocacy, and public speaking capacities of CSOs.
  • Expanding fundraising and social entrepreneurship opportunities for CSOs.
  • Investing in BCNL’s institutional development, digitalization, and innovation.

Key Results to Be Achieved

  • Increased unity and resilience of the civil society sector.
  • Stronger CSO participation in public discourse and decision-making.
  • Sustainable cross-sector coalitions involving CSOs, business, and media.
  • Improved financial independence of CSOs.
  • Enhanced long-term sustainability and recognition of BCNL.
  • Grantor: America for Bulgaria Foundation.
  • Total amount of the project: 817 130 EURO.
  • Total amount of funding: 630 000 EURO.

The America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) is an independent, nonpartisan and nonpolitical American grant-making foundation working in partnership with Bulgarians to strengthen the country’s private sector and related democratic institutions. For more information visit: www.us4bg.org. The statements and opinions expressed in the implementation of project activities belong solely to BCNL and do not necessarily reflect the views of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.