An ongoing competition for small projects has been launched through which civil society organizations can receive support
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A strong civil society starts with ideas that empower people to participate, defend their rights and change the environment in which they live. It is precisely such ideas that the Current Competition for Small Projects, which starts on June 30, 2026, aims to support. The competition, part of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria, aims to contribute to the development of a vibrant and sustainable civil society defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
A new funding and reporting model
The current competition is conceived as a long-term and stable funding opportunity that provides civil society organizations with more predictable and continuous support. Instead of one-off calls, project proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis in six-month sessions, divided into 2 periods.
The new model also includes a simplified approach to project reporting. The reporting process has been simplified in order to reduce the administrative burden for civil society organisations and allow them to focus more on the implementation of activities. The amount of the grant is planned and reported on the basis of the funds for remuneration of the team involved in the implementation of the project.
The first deadline for submission of project proposals is 29 September 2026, 23.59.
The total budget of the competition is 4.15 million. It is designed for small projects with development potential – initiatives that offer sustainable solutions to societal challenges and can be upgraded, replicated or expanded over time.
Each applicant can submit a project proposal under one of the following four priorities:
- Democracy and participation – initiatives that promote active citizen participation and strengthen democratic processes;
- Human Rights and Social Justice – projects for the protection of human rights, equal opportunities and social justice;
- Organizational development – initiatives to build stronger, sustainable and effective civil society organizations;
- Addressing the challenges arising from the war in Ukraine – projects aimed at supporting affected communities and increasing their resilience.
Ideas that reach people and communities outside the public eye, create opportunities for participation, build trust, counter disinformation and strengthen democratic culture are encouraged.
Civil organizations registered under the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act and community centers registered under the Chitalishtes Act can participate in the competition.
The amount of the grant is between €10,000 and €25,000. It covers 100% of the eligible costs and no own contribution is required from applicants.
The duration of projects can be between 6 and 12 months.
Projects can be implemented independently or in partnership. It is recommended that the project involves no more than two partners.
Applications are made entirely electronically through the EGRANT system All proposals received by September 29, 2026, 23.59, will be considered and ranked by October 30, and those who have received funding will be able to start working from November 1, 2026
The call for applications, as well as all necessary documents for application, are available from the website of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria.
A series of information meetings are planned to help the candidates. The first of them will be held on July 15 and 16. Participation is pre-registered through the links below.
- July 15, 2026, Sofia, at 10:00 a.m. at SOHO (4 Iskar Street) – link to register until July 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
- 16 July 2026 at 16:00– Online information meeting – link to register until July 16, 2026, 15:00
Information about the other upcoming information meetings will be published on the WCIF website and on the website of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria.
If your organization has an idea that contributes to the development of a vibrant and sustainable civil society, promotes democracy, the rule of law or the protection of human rights, apply under the Current Small Project Competition.
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The EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is worth over EUR 23 million and is fully financed by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. It represents the largest commitment made to date by donor countries to civil society in the country. It is expected that by the end of 2031 the fund will support more than 300 initiatives of civil society organizations.
The operator of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is a consortium of civil society organizations, led by the Open Society Institute – Sofia, with the participation of the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation and Civil Society Norway (Frivillighet Norge). An ongoing competition for small projects is managed by the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation.
Official website of EEA Civil Society Fund Bulgaria: www.civilsocietyfund.bg