EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), announces an open competition for programs that strengthen the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and advance U.S. administration priorities to make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. All programs must support U.S. foreign policy objectives and comply with applicable Executive Orders and Department of State guidance. 

Proposals must include a clear U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions, and should promote shared interests by strengthening cooperation in areas that advance security, economic growth, innovation, freedom of speech, countering censorship, and citizen diplomacy (people-to-people) ties. Competitive proposals should support Bulgaria as a sovereign, resilient, and economically strong partner and reinforce the role of the United States as a trusted ally and leader. 

U.S. Embassy Sofia invites proposals for projects that engage Bulgarian audiences through educational, cultural, professional, and public outreach programs that highlight American excellence, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and promote practical partnerships that benefit both the United States and Bulgaria. Programs must deliver measurable impact, encourage long-term collaboration, and support cooperation in strategically important sectors. 

Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas: 

• Freedom250: Celebrating the American story and advancing future cooperation: Programs that support the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (Freedom250) by highlighting American history, diplomacy, innovation, and culture, while strengthening public understanding of the U.S.–Bulgarian partnership and its importance in advancing peace, security, and prosperity. Programs should connect the American experience to future cooperation between the United States and Bulgaria and promote informed public understanding of U.S. priorities and shared strategic interests. 

• American leadership, innovation, and applied solutions in strategic sectors: Programs that showcase U.S. achievements and best practices in entrepreneurship, science, technology, energy, agriculture, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space, and other frontier fields, with an emphasis on practical cooperation, locally applicable solutions, and partnerships that support economic growth, technological advancement, and long-term prosperity. This includes programs that highlight cooperation in strategic sectors such as civil nuclear energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies, and that increase public understanding of the benefits of Bulgarian investments in U.S. technologies and continued cooperation in these strategic fields.  

• Education, exchanges, and workforce development: Programs that expand English language learning, promote study in the United States, strengthen academic and professional exchanges, and build partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian institutions, especially in fields that support innovation, competitiveness, and economic opportunity. This includes programs for educators, journalists, and young professionals that provide accurate information about the United States and support long-term professional cooperation.

• Strong alliances, sovereign partners, and regional resilience: Programs that increase public understanding regarding the importance of cooperation between the United States, Bulgaria, and other allies and partners, and that demonstrate how strong, sovereign nations working together contribute to stability, security, and economic resilience in Europe and the Black Sea region/NATO’s eastern flank. This includes programs that promote accurate, fact-based understanding of U.S. policies, support freedom of speech and efforts to counter censorship, strengthen professional exchanges with influencers, media and opinion leaders, and increase awareness of the benefits of defense modernization and close cooperation with allies. 

• Entrepreneurship, investment, and transparent economic growth: Programs that promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, intellectual property protection, fair and transparent business practices, and stronger commercial, educational, and technological ties with the United States, helping create an environment that supports innovation, investment, and prosperity. This includes programs that highlight the role of U.S.–Bulgarian cooperation in energy, technology, and strategic investment projects, and that increase understanding of how transparent, rules-based economic partnerships contribute to long-term growth and security. 

ELIGIBILITY

 The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Bulgarian, European or, U.S.-based organizations and individuals with proven experience of executing programs. Proposals that demonstrate the long-term sustainability of the proposed project will receive priority.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
• Individuals
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
• Foreign Public Entities (FPE) and Governmental institutions

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Please carefully review and follow all instructions in the  Annual Program Statement and submit proposals to SofiaGrants@state.gov on a rolling basis, but no later than June 15, 2026. Note: all submitted/emailed proposals must include “FY26 APS” in the subject line.