# U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pds-aps-fy26-01-sofia-u-s-embassy-sofia-pds-annual-program-statement/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361886

> U.S. Mission to Bulgaria offered grants of up to $25,000 (at least $5,000) to nonprofits and individuals. It expected to make about 10 awards. Applications closed on June 15, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | PDS-APS-FY26-01-SOFIA |
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Bulgaria |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 15, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $25,000 |
| Award floor | $5,000 |
| Expected awards | 10 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.040 |

## Who can apply

- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Individuals
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience• Individuals• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions• Foreign Public Entities (FPE) and Governmental institutions

## What the grant funds

UPDATE APRIL 14, 2026: Proposals for the FY26 Small Grants Program will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on funding availability. Please follow all instructions in the Annual Program Statement (see Related Documents tab), which includes instructions on required forms and recommended templates and submit proposals to SofiaGrants@state.gov no later than June 15, 2026 with "FY26 APS" in the subject line of the email. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), announces an open competition for programs that strengthen the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and advance U.S. administration priorities to make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. All programs must support U.S. foreign policy objectives and comply with applicable Executive Orders and Department of State guidance. Proposals must include a clear U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions, and should promote shared interests by strengthening cooperation in areas that advance security, economic growth, innovation, freedom of speech, countering censorship, and citizen diplomacy (people-to-people) ties. Competitive proposals should support Bulgaria as a sovereign, resilient, and economically strong partner and reinforce the role of the United States as a trusted ally and leader. U.S. Embassy Sofia invites proposals for projects that engage Bulgarian audiences through educational, cultural, professional, and public outreach programs that highlight American excellence, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and promote practical partnerships that benefit both the United States and Bulgaria. Programs must deliver measurable impact, encourage long-term collaboration, and support cooperation in strategically important sectors. Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas: Freedom250: Celebrating the American story and advancing future cooperation: Programs that support the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (Freedom250) by highlighting American history, diplomacy, innovation, and culture, while strengthening public understanding of the U.S.–Bulgarian partnership and its importance in advancing peace, security, and prosperity. Programs should connect the American experience to future cooperation between the United States and Bulgaria and promote informed public understanding of U.S. priorities and shared strategic interests.

## Questions people ask

### Is PDS-APS-FY26-01-SOFIA still open?

No. It closed on June 15, 2026. A newer notice is open: OFOP0002825, closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left).

### Who can apply for U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement?

U.S. Mission to Bulgaria accepted applications from nonprofits and individuals. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement?

Closed June 15, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $25,000 each.

### Who has won Public Diplomacy Programs grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees, Meridian International Center, American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc. The program made 13,489 awards worth $358 million in that time.