Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria

Support to civil society is a key priority for the EEA Grants 2014-2021, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in 15 EU Member States in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. Ten per cent of the total country allocations is set aside for a programme for civil society in each beneficiary state. The Active Citizens Fund is established under the priority sector ‘Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms’, one of the five priority sectors agreed between the donors and the European Union.

The allocation to the Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria, is EUR 15 500 000, provided by the donor-states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Program will operate until 2024 and shall contribute to the overall objectives of the EEA and Norway Grants, to reduce economic and social disparities, and to strengthen bilateral relations between the beneficiary and donor states.

The objective of the Active Citizens Fund is: “Civil society and active citizenship strengthened and vulnerable groups empowered”. The fund shall seek to develop the long-term sustainability and capacity of the civil society sector, strengthening its role in promoting democratic participation, active citizenship and human rights.

As a partner to the Operator of the Active Citizens Fund. The Trust for Social Achievement manages the project for Mentorship Support for Roma Students Enrolled in Medical Studies and the Scholarship Program for Roma Students Enrolled in Medical Studies. The aim of both components is to provide financial support in the form of scholarships to students enrolled in medical study degrees for the period of one academic year, as well as mentorship support by a professional in the healthcare sector.