The Active Citizens Fund in Bulgaria Programme Priorities and Measures for Support Short version of the presentation delivered at the Official Launch of the Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria in the framework of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014-2021 Sofia, 7 June, 2018

Active Citizens Fund in Bulgaria The objective of the Active Citizens Fund is: “Civil society and active citizenship strengthened and vulnerable groups empowered” Allocation of 15 500 000 EUR, provided by the Donor States Fund Operator is Open Society Institute – Sofia, in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation The Fund shall operate until 2024

Programme Outcomes: Strengthened democratic culture and civic awareness Increased support for human rights Vulnerable groups are empowered CSOs actively address gender equality and GBV Increased civic engagement in environmental protection/climate change Enhanced capacity and sustainability of the civil society sector including CSOs

Eligible applicants and partners Eligible applicants are civil society organizations established in Bulgaria under the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act and registered for public benefit, satisfying the following conditions: are not trade unions of or professional associations, where the aims and purposes are to further the specific interests of their members only; are independent from the local, regional and central government and from other public entities and authorities; are independent of political parties and commercial organisations. Partners can be any public or private entity, commercial or non-commercial, as well as non-governmental organisations established as a legal person either in the Donor States, Beneficiary States or a country outside the European Economic Area that has a common border with Bulgaria, or any international organisation or body or agency thereof, actively involved in, and effectively contributing to, the implementation of a project is considered an eligible project partner. The project partner shall share with the project promoter a common economic or social goal which is to be realised through the implementation of the project. Informal groups, which are legal residents in Bulgaria are considered eligible project partners.

Programme specifics At least 10% of re-granting funds for Roma empowerment and inclusion Capacity and sustainability of the civil society sector Outreach to under-served geographic areas and target groups Asylum-seekers and refugees will be one of the target groups Scholarships for Roma students in medical/health studies will be provided through a Roma Scholarship component of the ACF. In addition, complementary mentoring and coaching will be provided.

Support mechanisms Two calls for strategic projects (with a duration up to 36 months), announced in 2018/2019 and in 2020/2021. Small initiatives scheme in the period end of 2018 – 2024 Bilateral Fund envisaging 1) seed money facility, 2) match-making events, 3) support for small bilateral initiatives Regional thematic conferences Targeted capacity building measures for applicants and project promoters Project Generation Facility (for development of Roma-relevant projects outside the Fund) “Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders” in support of young SCOs leaders

Distribution of funds per calls Two calls for strategic projects: First call: 2018/19 г.; 10 000 – 200 000 EUR (minimum 10% own contribution); duration 12-36 months; 3 months application windows Second call: 2020/21; 10 000 – 200 000 EUR (minimum 10% own contribution); duration12-36 months; 3 months application windows Small initiatives scheme – up to 10 000 EUR; duration 2-12 months; evaluation of proposals every 6 months.

Citizens involved in public policy decision-making Programme Outcome 1: Strengthened democratic culture and civic awareness (total budget: € 3 860 000) Specific projects’ goals: Citizens involved in public policy decision-making Research conducted to inform public policy decision-making and debate Civic and media literacy education implemented and promoted Transparency and accountability of public institutions promoted Monitoring of local and national elections and public appointments carried out Application of ethical standards in Journalism monitored and promoted

Programme Outcome 2: Increased support for human rights (total budget: € 2 700 000) Specific projects’ goals: CSOs involve young people in field activities, including in volunteering and awareness campaigns on human rights issues Media-CSOs partnerships established on specific human rights issues Implementation of international human rights standards promoted Services provided to victims of discrimination and human rights violations Human rights education tools developed and implemented Human rights awareness campaigns carried out Counter speech and strategic communication to curb negative stereotypes towards vulnerable groups performed

Economic participation of vulnerable groups supported Programme Outcome 3: Vulnerable groups are empowered (total budget: € 2 900 000) Specific projects’ goals: Innovative (new or improved) methods and approaches addressing the needs of vulnerable groups promoted Members of vulnerable groups trained or involved in advocating for their needs/the needs of their communities Economic participation of vulnerable groups supported

Programme Outcome 4: CSOs actively address gender equality and GBV (total budget: € 950 000) Specific projects’ goals: Research on the current situation, needs, solutions, good practices in relation to GBV and gender equality Monitoring and watchdog activities on the implementation of policies in relation to gender equality and GBV Strategic communication and advocacy campaigns for the general public, politicians and inside the target group

Programme Outcome 5: Increased civic engagement in environmental protection/climate change (total budget: € 960 000) Specific projects’ goals: Access to and use of research on environmental protection/climate change is supported Policy monitoring and advocacy in relation to environmental protection/climate change is carried out Partnerships with public/private institutions on environment/climate change established/sustained CSOs supported to carry out educational activities on environmental protection/climate change issues

Programme Outcome 6: Enhanced capacity and sustainability of the civil society sector including CSOs (total budget: € 2 010 000) Specific projects’ goals: Partnerships between CSOs and public/private entities established or supported Capacity building provided to CSOs Capacity building programme for young CSO leaders provided Advocacy campaigns for an improved legal and fiscal environment for civic activities and CSOs carried out Platforms and networks among CSOs developed or sustained Citizens awareness about the role of the CSOs in society enhanced .

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