Opportunity Information: Apply for PDS APS FY23 01
The U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement is a discretionary small grants opportunity from the U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Bulgaria) designed to support programs that deepen people-to-people connections between the United States and Bulgaria. The overall aim is to use cultural and exchange-focused activities to highlight shared democratic values, encourage mutual understanding, and strengthen bilateral cooperation. A central requirement is that every proposal includes a clear American cultural element or a tangible link to the United States, such as collaboration with U.S. experts, U.S.-based organizations, or American institutions in a relevant field. That American component should be meaningful, not symbolic, and should help participants better understand U.S. policy approaches and perspectives related to the program topic.
Funded activities are intended to be practical, public-facing, and relationship-building. The opportunity explicitly welcomes projects like academic or professional seminars, conferences, and speaker series; artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions that include U.S. participants; cultural heritage conservation and preservation efforts; and professional or academic exchanges and training programs. In general, projects should be structured so they do more than deliver one-time events, ideally creating ongoing networks, skills, partnerships, or lasting resources that continue after the grant ends.
The program outlines several priority areas that applicants are encouraged to address. These include initiatives that strengthen governance, transparency, and the rule of law, with an emphasis on reinforcing democratic norms while also supporting economic development, energy diversification, and broader security stability. Another key priority is building media literacy and public resilience to disinformation in Bulgaria, alongside efforts that support a strong independent media environment and an active civil society. Related to that, the Embassy is interested in programs that promote civic activism and volunteerism as concrete ways to increase public participation and community problem-solving.
Cultural connection is also a major focus. Proposals are encouraged that highlight social and cultural ties between the United States and Bulgaria, as well as projects that protect and preserve Bulgarian cultural heritage. The opportunity also prioritizes inclusion-oriented work that advances the socioeconomic participation of historically underserved or marginalized groups. This includes, but is not limited to, women, Roma and other minority communities, LGBTQI individuals, migrant populations, and disadvantaged youth. In addition, the program supports education and skills-building, particularly in STEM fields and in environmental or clean energy sectors, reflecting interest in future-oriented workforce development and sustainability. Finally, there is a regional dimension: PDS Sofia seeks projects that increase cultural understanding and connectivity between the people of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, supporting cross-border dialogue and cooperation through cultural and exchange programming.
From a funding and eligibility standpoint, this opportunity is offered as a grant with an award ceiling of $25,000 per project, and the Embassy anticipated making around 30 awards under this announcement. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040, and eligible applicants include individuals as well as other applicant types as specified in the full eligibility guidance. The original posting indicates it was created on October 24, 2022, with an original closing date of August 1, 2023. Overall, the opportunity is best suited for proposals that pair Bulgarian audiences and partners with credible U.S. participation, use cultural or educational exchange as the method, and produce clear public diplomacy value through measurable learning, engagement, and sustained connections.Apply for PDS APS FY23 01
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bulgaria in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 24, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 01, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Individuals, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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