U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, through the Department of State's Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is offering small grants under its FY26 Annual Program Statement to support projects that strengthen the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and advance current U.S. foreign policy priorities. The opportunity is a discretionary grant (CFDA 19.040) aimed at programs that engage Bulgarian audiences through educational, cultural, professional, and public outreach activities. The embassy is looking for proposals that clearly align with U.S. foreign policy objectives, follow relevant Executive Orders and State Department guidance, and deliver measurable results that last beyond the grant period. A central expectation is that each project includes a clear "U.S. element," meaning tangible collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions, and that it promotes real cooperation between the two countries rather than one-off events.

Funding is available up to an award ceiling of $25,000 per project, and the embassy anticipates making around 10 awards, depending on available funds. As of the April 14, 2026 update, proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning applications may be considered as they arrive and funding may be committed before the final deadline. Even with rolling review, applicants must submit no later than June 15, 2026. Applications must be emailed to SofiaGrants@state.gov and must include "FY26 APS" in the email subject line. The embassy directs applicants to follow the detailed requirements in the Annual Program Statement (referenced in the related documents), including required forms and recommended templates, which implies that formatting, mandatory attachments, and compliance documents will matter for eligibility and review.

The embassy is prioritizing proposals that support Bulgaria as a sovereign, resilient, and economically strong ally, while reinforcing the United States as a trusted partner and leader. Strong proposals are expected to build people-to-people ties and practical partnerships that advance shared interests, especially around security, economic growth, innovation, freedom of speech, countering censorship, and citizen diplomacy. The program is also framed around encouraging long-term collaboration, so proposals that show sustainability, follow-on partnerships, or durable institutional connections are positioned more competitively than projects that end when the funding ends.

Priority themes fall into five main areas. The first is Freedom250, which supports programs tied to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Projects in this area should highlight elements of American history, diplomacy, innovation, and culture while connecting that story to future-oriented cooperation with Bulgaria. The point is not only celebration, but also strengthening public understanding of why the U.S.-Bulgaria relationship matters for peace, security, and prosperity, and helping audiences understand U.S. priorities and shared strategic interests.

The second area focuses on American leadership, innovation, and applied solutions in strategic sectors. The embassy is interested in programs that showcase U.S. achievements and best practices in fields like entrepreneurship, science and technology, energy, agriculture, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space, with an emphasis on practical, locally applicable solutions. Proposals that facilitate real cooperation in strategic sectors, including civil nuclear energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies, are specifically encouraged. A related goal is increasing public understanding of the value of continued cooperation with the United States and the benefits of Bulgarian investment in U.S. technologies and partnerships.

The third priority area centers on education, exchanges, and workforce development. The embassy wants projects 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 areas linked to innovation and competitiveness. Target audiences can include educators, journalists, and young professionals, with an emphasis on providing accurate information about the United States and building long-term professional networks that continue after the program ends.

The fourth area emphasizes strong alliances, sovereign partners, and regional resilience, particularly in the context of Europe and the Black Sea region and NATO's eastern flank. Competitive proposals in this category should help Bulgarian audiences better understand the importance of cooperation among the United States, Bulgaria, and other allies and partners, and how that cooperation contributes to stability, security, and economic resilience. The embassy also highlights support for freedom of speech and efforts to counter censorship, along with professional exchanges with influencers, media, and opinion leaders. Projects that increase awareness of the benefits of defense modernization and close allied cooperation are also aligned with this theme.

The fifth priority area is entrepreneurship, investment, and transparent economic growth. The embassy is seeking programs that promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, intellectual property protection, and fair and transparent business practices, while strengthening commercial, educational, and technological ties with the United States. Projects may also spotlight U.S.-Bulgaria cooperation in energy, technology, and strategic investment initiatives, and explain how transparent, rules-based economic partnerships contribute to long-term growth and security.

Eligibility is broad but has important limits. The program encourages applications from Bulgarian, European, and U.S.-based organizations and from individuals, as long as they have demonstrated experience implementing programs. Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs), individuals, non-profit or governmental educational institutions, and certain foreign public entities and governmental institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as prime recipients under this notice, even if they might otherwise fit one of the categories listed. The embassy notes that organizations may subcontract parts of a project, but only one non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient, and proposals must clearly define each partner's responsibilities. Applicants are also pointed to 2 CFR 200.331 for guidance on the distinction between a subcontractor and a subrecipient, signaling that correct partnership structuring and compliance language will be important during review and award management.

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