OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE SOFIA - OSIS.BG€¦ · 5 1. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In 2014, the Open Society Institute – Sofia continued working on four main priorities: good

Open Society Institute - Sofia 2014 Annual Report

OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE – SOFIA

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

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CONTENTS

Mission

1 Report of the Executive Director 5

2 Financial Profile 7

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NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014

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4 European Policies Programme 30

5 Governance and Public Policies Programme 33

6 Project Generation Facility - Making the Most of European Union Structural Funds for Roma Inclusion

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7 Emergency Fund of the Open Society Institute 40

8 Legal Programme 41

9 Public Debate Programme 44

10 Roma Programme 45

11 Scholarship Programme “Medics of Tomorrow” with the financial support of Trust for Social Achievement

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12 Internwship Programme at the US Embassy “Bridging Roma and Career Opportunities” with the financial support of US Embassy

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13 Project Design Unit 49

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MISSION

To develop and support the values and practices of the open society in Bulgaria -

To support the democratization of the public life -

To work for the extension and guaranteeing of civil freedoms -

To support the strengthening of civil sector institutions -

To support the European integration and regional cooperation of Bulgaria

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Founder George Soros

Board of Trustees Neli Ognyanova/Pepka Boyadzhieva - Chair

Georgi Gospodinov Ivan Bedrov

Lachezar Bogdanov Milena Stefanova

Neri Terzieva Petya Kabakchieva

Executive Director Georgi Stoychev

Financial Director Veliko Sherbanov

Programme Directors Boyan Zahariev

Valentina Kazanska Ivanka Ivanova

Dimitar Dimitrov Marin Lessensky Elitsa Markova

Anita Baykusheva

Senior Economist Georgi Angelov

Sociological Analyses Unit Aleksey Pamporov - Sociologist

Project Design Unit Elitsa Markova

Teodora Ivanova

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1. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In 2014, the Open Society Institute – Sofia continued working on four main priorities: good governance, rule of law and human rights, European policies and civic participation. The activity of the Institute was carried out through the following programmes: European Policies, Governance and Public Policies, Public Debate, Legal Programme, Roma Programme and NGO Programme.

During the reporting period, there were supported a total of 275 projects, of which 253 fundings of non-governmental organizations and 22 operational projects implemented directly by the Institute. 277 trainees and scholarship holders of Roma origin were supported, of which 6 directly by the Institute, and other 271 scholarship holders obtained support under programmes within the Open Society network administered by the Institute. The total amount of the programme costs of the Institute during 2014 reached EUR 6.8 million, which is almost three times higher as compared to the previous year. The main reason for the increase in the number of supported projects and in the amount of the provided grants is associated with the Institute’s role as an operator of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under EEA Financial Mechanism. Meanwhile, the involvement of the Institute’s human resources in the administration of schemes for the providing of grants limited its capacities to implement operational projects, as well as its flexibility to respond to changes in the environment. These circumstances will continue to influence the functioning of the Institute during the next year as well. In its capacity of operator of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under EEA Financial Mechanism (in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation), the Institute organized the competitions for granting of financial support to projects of NGOs in four areas: Democracy, human rights and good governance; Social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups; Sustainable development and protection of the environment; and Capacity building for NGOs. Within the framework of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria, in 2014, the Institute organized two calls for proposals and continued to monitor the implementation of the contracted projects from the previous period. Furthermore, using funds of its other programmes, the Institute continued to carry out research, advocacy and monitoring initiatives in the fields of education, justice, human rights, inclusion of Roma and other disadvantaged groups, integration to the European Union, public attitudes to the functioning of democracy and the state of public policies and reforms. The Institute paid special attention to the public attitudes toward hate speech and the policies for limitation of its use within the society. During the year, the Institute extended the volume of provided services as part of the efforts to guarantee its long-term sustainablility. In this respect, the Institute continued performing analytical and research activities in the field of education and eradication of poverty, assigned by national and international institutions. One of the key activities of the Institute

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continued to be its role in the development and maintaining of the Ranking System of the Universities in Bulgaria. Georgi Stoychev Executive Director

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2. FINANCIAL PROFILE

I. Revenues The total amount of the revenues in 2014 comes up to EUR 7 897 thousand as compared to EUR 2 497 thousand in 2013.

The revenues from grants during 2014 are to the amount of EUR 6 666 thousand as compared to EUR 1 702 thousand in 2013.

Fig. 1 Revenues from grants for the period 2010-2014, in thousand EUR

In 2012, the Open Society Institute - Sofia was selected as operator of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria funded under the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 (EEA FM), whose budget comes up to EUR 11.8 million. In 2014, the amount of the recognized revenues from EEA FM comes up to EUR 6 201 thousand as compared to EUR 998 thousand in 2013.

In 2014, the amount of the recognized revenues from the network of Open Society foundations comes up to EUR 353 thousand from the following donor institutions: Open Society Institute - Budapest EUR 304 thousand Open Society Institute - Zug EUR 48 thousand

Open Society Institute – New York EUR 1 thousand

For the purposes of comparison, in 2013, the revenues originating from the network of Open Society foundations came up to EUR 409 thousand.

Thanks to the funding from the Open Society Institute - Budapest, in 2014, there continued the implementation of the programme scheme Project Generation Facility – Making the Most of European Union Structural Funds for Roma Inclusion and the amount of recognized revenues in 2014 came up to EUR 158 thousand; of the Effective Roma Integration Network – to the amount of EUR 71 thousand, as well as of the Scheme for supporting of the education in medicine, mentorship and training in advocacy of Roma students to the amount of EUR 51 thousand. In 2014, there were also realized certain programme activities, which were funded by other donors, to the amount of EUR 111 thousand as compared to EUR 214 in 2013.

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Donor Name of the project

Funding in thousand EUR

Total Incl.

utilized in 2014

South East Europe Transnational Cooperation Operational Programme 2007 – 2013

Effective programmes for the active integration / inclusion of Roma people in South East Europe / PAIRS

163 56

Roma Education Fund Organization of student scholarship scheme

20 20

Other donors 35 35

Total 218 111

Revenues from the Management of the Reserve Fund In 2014, there were realized interests to the amount of EUR 203 thousand. In the end of 2014, the deposited funds amounted to EUR 6.96 million. In 2014, there were realized revenues from exchange rate differences to the amount of EUR 31 thousand. Business Activity In 2014, the Foundation realized revenues from business activity to the amount of EUR 997 thousand from the following activities: Management of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under EEA FM EUR 279 thousand Administration of activities of Open Society Institute - Europe EUR 357 thousand Public procurement contracts awarded by the Ministry of Education EUR 162 thousand Sociological survey assigned by the World Bank EUR 182 thousand Profit from exchange rate differences associated with the business activity EUR 11 thousand Other activities EUR 6 thousand For the purposes of comparison, in 2013, the realized revenues came up to the amount of EUR 521 thousand. Net Assets In the end of 2014, the amount of the net assets remained EUR 8.4 million. The balance sheet of the Institute as of 31 December 2014 contains buildings and land to the amount of EUR 377 thousand and investments in subsidiaries to the amount of EUR 491 thousand. The Institute has an office at 56 “Solunska” Street with 35 computerized work-places and 2 meeting rooms.

II. Costs In 2014, the total amount of the costs came up to EUR 7 916 thousand as compared to EUR 2 510 thousand in 2013.

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The total value of the funded projects came up to EUR 6 767 thousand as compared to EUR 1 796 thousand in 2013 and, respectively, EUR 1 325 thousand in 2012, EUR 2 729 thousand in 2011 and EUR 3 068 thousand in 2010. Amount of the programme costs during the period 2010-2014 by programme areas, in thousand EUR

Programme area

2014, in thousand

EUR 2013 2012 2011 2010

Share Costs in thousand EUR

NGO Programme 6 200 91.6% 998 32

Emergency Fund 10 0.1% 33 79 658 1 099

Governance and Public Policies 268 4.0% 369 296 608 576

European Policies 62 0.9% 39 152 377 333

Legal Programme 39 0.6% 53 61 185 232

Public Debate 31 0.5% 46 45 96 161

Roma 155 2.3% 253 398 458 277

Education and Youth Programmes 0.0% 5 8 64 26

Public Heath 16 23 1

East-East 118 135 233

Others 2 120 125 130

Total 6 767 100% 1 796 1 325 2 729 3 068

In 2014, 275 projects were implemented, of which 253 fundings of organizations and 22 projects implemented by Open Society Institute. 6 trainees and scholarship holders of Roma origin were supported and other 271 scholarship holders were supported under programmes of the network of Open Society foundations outside the budget of the Foundation. For the purposes of comparison, in 2013, 136 projects were implemented, of which 97 fundings of organizations and 39 projects implemented by Open Society Institute. 17 trainees and scholarship holders of Roma origin were supported and other 275 scholarship holders were supported under programmes of the network of Open Society foundations outside the budget of the Foundation.

Programme area Number of projects Incl.

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Total Organizations

Open Society

Institute

NGO Programme 238 237 1

Governance and Public Policies 20 13 7

European Policies and Civic Participation 4 2 2

Legal Programme 4 4

Public Debate 1 1

Roma 7 7

Emergency Fund 1 1

Total 275 253 22

Trainees and scholarship holders of Roma origin 6

Total 281

Out of its own reserve, the Institute funded costs to the total amount of EUR 258 thousand. For the purposes of comparison, in 2013, there were covered costs to the amount of EUR 279 thousand. The costs of the Institute for 2014 exceed the revenues by EUR 20 thousand, while in 2013 the sum of the excess came up to EUR 13 thousand. The administrative costs amount to EUR 163 thousand - 2 % of the total volume of the costs. The amount of the costs for business activity for 2014 comes up to EUR 987 thousand, including an income tax to the amount of one thousand EUR. The realized profit after taxes amounts to EUR 10 thousand. The programme activity is carried out on the basis of combining the efforts of the staff (31 people were employed at the Institute in 2014) in partnership with wide expert communities. III. Reporting and Control The financial reporting is kept in accordance with the Bulgarian accounting legislation, the International Financial Reporting Standards, as well as the approved standards and the requirements of the donor organizations. The functional currency in which the Open Society Institute – Sofia accounts for its activity is euro. The financial statements are audited by an internationally recognized audit company. For the period 2008-2014, this is KPMG - Bulgaria.

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The Open Society Institute is registered for public benefit and each year it publishes the reports on its activity. In the end of 2011, the Open Society Institute introduced into its activity the ISO 9001 quality standards.

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3. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMME IN BULGARIA UNDER THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA FINANCIAL MECHANISM 2009-2014 Non-governmental Organizations Programme in Bulgaria under the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism 2009 - 2014 - www.ngogrants.bg; www.facebook.com/ngogrants.bg Since 2012, the Open Society Institute – Sofia, jointly with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, is the operator of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under EEA FM. The total value of the programme is almost EUR 11.8 million, provided by the Donor States – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Under the programme, funding is provided to eligible non-governmental organizations that are registered in Bulgaria with the aim to support the development of the civil sector and its contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development of the country. Within the programme, three calls for proposals in four thematic areas are envisaged: “Democracy, human rights and good governance”, “Social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups”, “Sustainable development and protection of the environment”, “Capacity building for NGOs”. In 2014, there were carried out the second and the third calls within the programme, which were again to a greater extent focused on issues such as: discrimination, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism, intolerance, hate speech, hate crimes, gender-based violence. Within the framework of the second call (28 January 2014 – 31 March 2014), a total of 617 project proposals were submitted, and within the framework of the third one (18 September 2014 – 18 November 2014) – 649. Until the end of the calendar 2014, there were signed the contracts for 36 medium-sized and 17 big projects approved during the first call under the programme, which was carried out in 2013. Within the framework of the second call, 195 projects were approved for funding and, after an eligibility verification, there were signed contracts for the implementation of 190 projects1. The administrative check was completed in the beginning of December 2014 and there started the quality evaluation of the project proposals of the third call. As at the end of 2014, 22 % of the projects implemented under the programme are oriented towards Roma inclusion activities, while 44 % of the projects are focused on children and youth related activities. Out of a total of 16 received applications for grants for designing of project ideas with partners from the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), there were approved 14 to the total amount of EUR 18 575.07. More than 900 people, representing non-governmental organizations from all over the country, took part in the 12 information days and 12 seminars for strengthening of the capacity, carried out within the programme during the spring and autumn of 2014. The meetings were carried out in cities of each of the six planning regions in Bulgaria - Vratsa, Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo, Varna, Burgas and Sofia. In relation to the partnership of EEA Financial Mechanism with the No Hate Speech Movement of the Council of Europe, in November 2014, a blogger training was organized to counter the hate speech in the internet. In 2014, there was carried out a national representative study of the public attitudes towards hate speech in Bulgaria and a report was drawn up, which was presented for public debate at the round table in December 2014.

1 Only 1 of the projects of the second call is left for contracting in the beginning of 2015.

http://www.ngogrants.bg/

http://www.facebook.com/ngogrants.bg

http://www.ngogrants.bg/public/portfolios/newsItem.cfm?id=173

http://www.ngogrants.bg/public/portfolios/newsItem.cfm?id=176

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ЗА ПОДКРЕПА НА НЕПРАВИТЕЛСТВЕНИТЕ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ В БЪЛГАРИЯ ФИНАН

МЕХАНИЗЪМ НА ЕВРОПЕЙСКОТО ИКОНОМИЧЕСКО ПРОСТРАНСТВО 2009-2014

3. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMME IN BULGARIA UNDER THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA FINANCIAL MECHANISM 2009-2014 3.1. Grant for design and implementation of a project idea with partners from the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and for support of the bilateral cooperation between Bulgarian NGOs and organizations from the Donor States Безвъзмездна помощ за разрабане на проектна идея с партньори от държавите донори (Исландия, Лихтенщайн, Норвегия)

Organization Topic Sum in

EUR Municipal Agency for Sustainable Development Association

Development of a partner project € 1 500

Forum Urban Alternatives Foundation Development of a partner project € 1 355

Medium – Laboratory for Culture and Education Association


National Alliance of People with Rare Diseases Association


Ecoworld - Rodopi Development of a partner project € 1 466

Home in Bulgaria Foundation Development of a partner project € 1 477

Gender Education, Research and Technologies Foundation


World Without Borders Association Development of a partner project € 1 350

Baby and Child Association Development of a partner project € 1 500

Indi-Roma Social Foundation Development of a partner project € 1 500

Culture Break Borders, Norway , Development of two partner projects € 1 610

Bulgarian Hunting Association Development of a partner project € 1 350

Public Donor Fund – Gabrovo Foundation Development of a partner project € 1 500

Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Implementation of a partner project € 3 993

Aniridia Bulgaria Association Implementation of a partner project € 2 256

Blue Link Foundation Implementation of a partner project € 5 000

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Association for Progressive and Open Communication

Implementation of a partner project € 3 705

Ecoworld - Rodopi Implementation of a partner project € 2 000

People and Nature Association Implementation of a partner project € 3 955

3.2. Thematic area "Democracy, human rights and good governance" 3.2.1. Thematic priority "Fostering the inclusion of NGOs into the processes of policy-making and decision-making jointly with the institutions on local, regional and national level"


EUR Institute for Market Economics Active citizenship and good governance

for eradication of poverty € 54 616

Center for the Study of Democracy The civil organizations: a guarantee for equal rights of the vulnerable groups before the state

€ 56 198

Risk Monitor Foundation Boundaries of secrecy: regulation and control in the security sector

€ 56 291

Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe”

Civil society and Roma community participation in the implementation of the National Roma strategy – a guarantee of efficiency

€ 36 928

Programme for Development of the Judicial System Association

Civil monitoring on the efficiency of the prosecution in investigating corruption-related crimes

€ 50 115

National Youth Forum Encouragement of the inclusion of youth organizations and young people in the policy-making and decision-making processes jointly with the institutions on local, regional and national level

€ 54 939

Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives The jury – active citizens for real participation in justice

€ 50 430

Regional Association for Development and Innovation - Mizia

Encouragement of civil participation in the making and implementation of policies for regional and local development

€ 95 098

Child and Space Association Vision for family policy in support of the children and families in Bulgaria

€ 60 489

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Ecology Information and Training Center Counting of the chickens: Civil evaluation of the first financial period of Bulgaria in EU (2007 - 2013). Third monitoring report of the Coalition for Sustainable Use of European Union Funds (CSUEUF).

€ 67 719

Hope and Homes for Children – Bulgaria Branch

Regional coordination mechanism – model for efficient cooperation and interaction between the civil sector, the regional and municipal structures

€ 85 247

Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Participation for nature. Support for the representation of NGO and civil participation in the decision-making regarding policies for sustainable development and environment

€ 72 488

Center for Judicial and Investigative Journalism Foundation

Monitoring of strategic areas in the work of the Supreme Judicial Council

€ 17 812

Civic Participation Forum Association For the sake of participation € 19 760

Zone Lovech Formation of new public board in Lovech Municipality

€ 5 901

Open Society Club - Ruse Civic participation in the integration policy

€ 17 741

Alternatives Association Civil forum on social issues in Karnobat Municipality

€ 13 160

Forum for Public Policies Monitoring and Analysis

Raising the activity of the civil sector for ensuring of transparent work of the Sofia Municipal Council

€ 19 978

Bulgarian Platform for International Development

Incorporation of the global education into Bulgarian secondary school of general education

€ 17 458

Center for Development of Zlatograd Municipality

ACTIVE CITIZENS WORKSHOP € 14 923

Access to Information Programme Foundation

Advocacy campaign for radical changes in the legislation for access to information

€ 39 987

Minority Health Problems Foundation Improvement of the access to health care for vulnerable groups and communities through advocacy and strengthening of sustainable development of good practices on local level

€ 39 843

Association of Ecologists of Bulgarian Municipalities

Transparent waste management – creation of a network of organizations working for the improvement of the waste management system on municipal level

€ 39 495

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Bulgarian Festivals Association Bulgarian – Norwegian partnership for transparent and efficient public support for the sector of culture in Bulgaria

€ 35 000

Center for Liberal Strategies Foundation Problems of transition: encouraging the thrust in the independence of the institutions of liberal democracy

€ 38 017

Cedar Foundation Together for change: advocacy for higher quality of the life in social services

€ 48 277

"Bratstvo 1869" Community Center "Your municipality works for you. Activation of the efficient advocacy of civil organizations in the dialogue with the local authorities "

€ 41 767

The Fabric Association (Regional Resource Center for Culture)

Craft training as a second chance - Chance it!

€ 45 981

Institute for Regional and International Studies

Strategic planning and advocacy: instruments for more efficient NGO inclusion in the decision-making and dialogue with the local authorities

€ 49 491

Crime Prevention Fund - IGA Independent monitoring on the legislation and the institutional development of probation in Bulgaria

€ 41 066

Center for Evaluation of Legislation Effect Foundation

Establishment of a standing expert panel for civil monitoring on legislation

€ 25 645

Transparency without Borders Foundation Civil platform for responsible and reporting governance

€ 49 127

3.2.2. Thematic priority "Fostering the democratic values, including protection of human rights" Bulgarian Lawyers for Human Rights Foundation

Strengthening the protection of human rights in Bulgaria

€ 86 961

Applied Research and Communications Fund

Children, parents and teachers against hate speech and discrimination

€ 58 430

Infinite Opportunities Association Pl@tform for [email protected] € 60 193

NPA Parents Association Shared school € 12 491

LGBT Youth Association “Deystvie” Raising the awareness of my human rights – guarantee for the development of LGBT policies in Bulgaria

€ 17 570

Intelday Foundation “Don’t harm the rules” – campaign for public honesty”

€ 19 990

Fire of Orpheus Foundation The speech of youth € 17 501

Betel Bulgaria Foundation Through education and practicing of democratic values, rights and ethics of marginal groups – people with dependencies – to a change in public attitudes towards them

€ 17 850

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Free Speech International Foundation Non-Bulgarians € 17 420

“Prosveta-1907" Community Center "Live zone of intercultural communication"

€ 9 500

Multi Kulti Collective National media campaign: kitchen against xenophobia

€ 17 669

Right of Choice Civil Association Second home € 17 791

European Center for Mediation and Arbitration

For equal rights and opportunities € 15 248

Dialogue Non-Profit Association You decide! € 16 353

United Youth Councils Live books € 19 500

Youth Bureau for Social Services and Civil Initiatives

Gender clubs for Forum theater in the small towns

€ 17 057

Hristo Botev School Board of Trustees, town of Kardzhali

"We, the Republic" € 4 987

NPA Partners for Lyaskovets School for tolerance € 4 858

Association of Non-Governmenal Organizations in Trakiya Region

The rights of our children € 4 995

Pitagor Foundation for European Education and Professional Qualification

Campaign „Joint efforts for disadvantaged children at school”

€ 4 851

"Hristo Botev – 1926” Community Center, village of Cherven

"Creation of crazytheque" € 4 491

Center for Protection of the Rights in the Heathcare

Public and legal protection of the rights of the citizens as patients

€ 33 245

BluLink Foundation The fourth power in young hands: journalistic practice in public interest

€ 22 826

"S.E.C.A.- Start for Efficient Civil Alternatives" Foundation

Youth actions for civil rights (through knowledge against intolerance)

€ 34 303

Center for Social Practices Association School for active citizenship: sustainability of civil forums for designing of policies for development, functioning on community level (municipalities or smaller units)

€ 35 219

Bulgarian Association for the Promotion of Citizens Initiative

Democracy and civic participation in the digital era – promotion of e-democracy in Bulgaria through best experience from Iceland

€ 43 310

Roma World - 21 Century Foundation Popularization of democratic values through TV show “Small stories of the world of Roma people "

€ 38 857

Foundation for Access to Rights Improving the refugees’ access to rights in Bulgaria through raising the awareness and knowledge

€ 40 068

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Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Promotion of fundamental rights of the people with psychic disorders in Bulgaria: advocacy for high-quality deinstitutionalization and ensuring of quality care at the specialized institutions and alternatives in the community

€ 49 906

Civic Ideas Forum The “little” citizens: democracy for 5-7 year old children

€ 24 847

Association for Progressive and Open Communication

Exchange of practices and creation of a model for limiting of hate speech through generation of culture of tolerance and acceptance of differences

€ 42 230

Gender Alternatives Foundation „Let’s together ensure justice for vulnerable groups of people”

€ 41 012

European Spaces 21 Association Suffering and salvation. The memory for Jewish communities – guarantee against the hate in society

€ 28 962

Tsvete Theatre Protecting our rights € 37 356

3.2.3. Thematic priority "Supporting active citizenship"


EUR National Network for Children Megaphone: children’s and youth

participation for better citizenship € 57 200

BalkanAssist Association Civil debate for change € 62 547

Gift a Book Foundation Friend programme € 76 900

Ecoworld Rodopi Fostering of active citizenship of young people

€ 19 773

Life with Dignity Association - Vidin Civil control over the inclusive education in Vidin

€ 16 969

Center for European Initiatives Legislator mission € 11 644

Ecomission 21 Century Association Fostering of apiarists’ associations of Lovech Region as the way to safeguarding and developing the sector

€ 15 811

ECIP Foundation Follow their dreams! € 19 900

Leadership Academy Youth leadership for democracy of participation

€ 16 379

Give a Smile Foundation Volunteers are changing the world € 16 841

Projecteka Association Mission "I want to know, I want to be" € 4 920

Eurodevelopment 2007 I love my village and take care of it € 3 646

Harmony and Traditions Association Volunteering, traditions, innovations € 4 971

Roma Integration Center – Lom Association

Together we can make more € 5 000

Chiprovtsi, Alternative and Development - CHAR

Will to the good € 4 984

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St. Damaskin and St. Onufriy Gabrovski – 2011 Community Center

"Independence, self-government, amateur art" – civil board and volunteer unit to the community center, model of active citizenship for social change

€ 4 495

Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitar Panitza” Association

Models and good practices for legitimate civil representation

€ 30 900

NGO Links Civil platform for open governance € 23 700

National Alliance for Working with Volunteers Foundation

School – philanthropy area € 28 298

Open Space Foundation Alternatives for the leisure time € 34 715

Humanitarian and Social Studies Foundation – Sofia

Civil practice for students and teachers “The protests after 2011“

€ 43 953

Heroes of Time Foundation Young volunteers: fostering volunteering at Bulgarian schools and universities

€ 34 355

“For the Earth” Ecological Association Small grants for green civil projects € 33 795

For Our Children Foundation The media, the business and me FOR our children

€ 49 959

Astika Laboratory for youth activity € 29 413

3.3. Thematic area "NGO capacity building"

3.3.1. Thematic priority "Fostering of the strengthening of NGO capacity building and of enabling environment for the functioning of the non-governmental sector"


EUR Bulgarian Center for Non-Profit Law The house of civil society – community

for development € 85 708

SOS Children’s Villages Bulgaria Enhancing the fund raising capacity of SOS Children’s Villages Bulgaria Associateion in order to ensure organizational and financial sustainability

€ 41 648

Future Now 2006 Community Center Green Light for “Outdoor School” € 62 306

Ecosystem Europe Association Building the capacity of Ecosystem Europe Association"

€ 13 820

Minerva Center Foundation Project for future € 8 494

Balkani Wildlife Society Balkani Wildlife Society - raising the sustainability and resources of the organization and the capacity for independent public actions and campaigns

€ 15 270

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Focus – European Center for Development Association

Youth network – quality, sustainability, knowledge and authority of youth work in the Region of Pazardzhik

€ 11 297

Step-by-Step Programme Foundation Growth and sustainability through the Education and Development Platform – “Mouthpiece”

€ 10 549

National Breastfeeding Support Association

Sustainable development of the support for breastfeeding women in Bulgaria

€ 19 962

Karin Dom Foundation Development of the capacity of Karin Dom for organizational and financial sustainability

€ 19 232

Non-Governmental Organizations Club NGO = efficiency and quality model € 19 165

Animus Association Foundation Capacity building of Animus Association Foundation for ensuring of sustainability upon the introduction of the Zippy’s Friends programme at general schools

€ 16 994

Amala – Friends Association Support for equal opportunities € 13 620

Public Donor Fund for Varna Foundation Strengthening the capacity of NGOs from Varna Region to raise funds from private donors and building of donor culture, oriented to development projects

€ 14 470

Charity Catholic Organization Vitania With greater knowledge towards bigger responsibilities

€ 5 705

Multi Kulti Collective Strengthening the capacity of NGO to apply the Multi Kulti Kitchen model in 6 Bulgarian towns with non-resident population

€ 13 180

Vazhod za Varna Training, volunteering, donorship – fundamentals for building and development of public responsibility of “Vazhod za Varna"

€ 7 033

Future for the Disabled Children Association

Change in action € 10 306

Sofia Organization of the Bulgarian Red Cross

„Friends of children and youth with autistic spectrum disorders”

€ 7 954

Open Your Eyes Organization development for better support of young drug addicts

€ 14 753

Naya Association „Development through partnership with the business and donors “

€ 17 712

Lyuben Karavelov 1897 Community Center More for more € 4 995

Ivan Dzhonev 2010 Community Center Creation, introduction and application of ethic code at the community center

€ 3 663

Restart 12 Association They can € 4 867

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Sport Club KA Sport "Professional workshop" for exchange of knowledge, experience and skills for enhancing the sustainability of the organization and of the partners

€ 4 948

Black Sea Center for Ecological Information and Education Association

Development of the network of the Black Sea Center for Ecological Information and Education and raising the association’s capacity

€ 4 954

Vitosha Sport Club for Integration Seminars for enhancing referees’ and coaches’ skills in showdown and goalball

€ 5 000

Educational World Association Volunteer’s club € 4 496

National Patients’ Organization Inside out environment € 31 499

Ecoworld Rodopi Sustainable non-governmental organizations for adequate youth policy

€ 23 456

Together in Class Foundation Functional literacy for the 21st century: evaluation tools and teaching methods

€ 27 077

Time Heroes Foundation Systematization of the experience in working with volunteers and strengthening the capacity of NGO

€ 38 537

Center for Evaluation of Legislation Effect Foundation

The good legal and financial framework of NGO – key prerequisite for their transparency and legitimacy

€ 39 596

3.3.2. Thematic priority "Developed networks and coalitions of NGO working in partnership "


EUR Federation of Knowledge Dissemination Associations

High-quality networking € 18 958

Step for Bulgaria Building of volunteer network in support of disadvantaged youth

€ 14 115

Cancer Patients and Friends Association Together against cancer € 14 677

SIDEA Cultural Development Foundation Cultural cooperative / Resource sharing network

€ 9 000

Open Society Club – Stara Zagora Association

Untrodden paths to the open doors € 18 165

Open Society Club - Ruse Partnerships 2020 € 4 978

Forum for Monitoring and Analysis of Public Policies

For better management of Sofia – creation of a working partnership between the NGO sector, Sofia Municipality, the district administrations and Sofia Municipal Council

€ 4 973

“For the Earth” Ecological Association Young friends of the Earth € 24 920

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Gulliver Clearing House Foundation Bulgarian network for civic dialogue € 45 950

Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov – 1866 Community Center, Blagoevgrad

Together we can made more – partnership network of community centers for support and development of children and youths

€ 21 510

Civic Participation Forum Association Civic Participation Forum – the network in action

€ 43 825

EcoCentric Foundation Platform for promotion and quality of the education for sustainable development

€ 35 073

3.3.3. Thematic priority "Development of the advocacy role of NGOs and their capacity for monitoring"


EUR Association of Parks in Bulgaria For more efficient civil protection of the

nature: trainings for green advocacy € 19 990

BluLink Foundation YouthLink: web tools and capacity for civil monitoring, advocacy and influence

€ 19 494

Association of Community Centers Opportunity for change € 10 641

Institute for Community-Based Social Services Foundation

Resource center for advocacy for inclusive employment

€ 15 679

Open Society Club - Smolyan Civil monitoring for efficient implementation of the “Europe 2020" strategy on regional and municipal level

€ 15 460

SOS Families at Risk Foundation Building NGO capacity for monitoring and advocacy as regards the problems of domestic violence upon the making of social policies on regional level

€ 16 031

BalkanAssist Association Civil monitoring for better governance € 15 187

Mladenovo Foundation Step forward! € 15 175

Center for Protection of the Rights in the Healthcare

Designing of online system for registration and response in cases of violation of patients’ rights

€ 4 416

Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives Initiative for transparent parliamentary appointments

€ 20 401

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Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Strengthening of the capacity of NGOs, youths and citizens to work with geographical information systems (GIS) and using these to enhance their skills for monitoring and advocacy for the policies for sustainable development of the regions

€ 44 348

Institute for Public Environment Development

When data meet citizens (strengthening the capacity of IPED for advocacy and monitoring through studying and visualization of data of public institutions)

€ 25 861

3.4. Thematic area "Social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups "

3.4.1. Thematic priority "Empowerment of vulnerable groups"


EUR Integro Association Our life – in our hands € 54 460

Aniridia Bulgaria Building of new mechanisms for self-support for those affected by Aniridia

€ 19 051

Youth Initiative for Civil Society Association

Dialogue of generations. For a new understanding of dementia

€ 18 489

Amala – Friends Association Youth community center € 14 799

Roma Initiative Foundation Debating – an innovative approach for learning of alternative models of ethic and tolerant behaviour of 8-12 grade students of different ethnic origin

€ 16 138

Non-Profit Association "Jarava" /Court decision of 30 January 2013 of VRC/. Former name - NPA "OPORA BG"

Social inclusion of disabled people € 19 983

NPA "Business Center – Business Incubator - Targoviste"

"Eyes wide open" € 12 243

Future for Krepost Association Giving a hand to an ill person € 17 379

Thirst for Life Association Together against discrimination, domestic violence and trafficking in human beings – social inclusion and empowerment of young Roma people

€ 19 712

Media with Human Face "The voice of suffering" € 13 844

Youth Alliance – Varna Association Network of Roma administrative mediators

€ 19 993

Friends of the Sea Marine Club Marine Academy 2014-2015 € 19 354

Karate Club Ronin 11 Association Active sport – the way to tolerance € 13 099

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Libera Art and Therapy Institute Therapeutic power of rhythm against school violence and aggression in big, medium-sized and small communities with Roma people in Kyustendil Region

€ 19 923

Center for European Development and Qualification Association

Development of self-support and employment realization mechanism through building of skills in applied arts

€ 19 897

Metatron Foundation Pilot project – Life competences € 19 922

Knowledge Association Food and health € 17 806

Center for Educational Programmes and Social Initiatives Association

Their voice € 19 134

Center of Women’s Studies and Policies Foundation

Empowerment of people taking long-term care for their families (with care for care)

€ 17 905

Severi Online ombudsman € 9 097

Prosveta 1919 Community Center Building of sustainable mechanisms for empowerment of vulnerable groups in the field of handicrafts

€ 16 890

Debut Association Ethnic youth conflicts € 17 255

Tsvetan Tsanov Foundation GoTeen.si € 18 686

Regional Development Foundation Roma 1995

New opportunities for development of communities in Stolipinovo through prevention of early marriages

€ 19 996

Center of Local and Regional Policies Development community center - Kozlevo

€ 12 085

Avocado Foundation Inclusion of vulnerable groups through integration of young persons in the field of arts

€ 15 708

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalie - Bulgaria Workshop for mutual support € 4 971

"AMOR – Association for Local Community Development"

Active local communities € 4 977

Navigator Association A look to new opportunities. Computer lessons for disabled people, creation of internet society within the target group.

€ 4 472

Academy of Educational Innovations - Dalgoletie

Chance for successful future € 4 988

Equilibrium Association Empowerment of young people vulnerable to trafficking

€ 26 710

Chance and Protection Association Tolerance and equality € 30 029

Replica Association “Emergency aid” Theatre € 26 999

Adaptation Society Open minds € 37 850

Roma – Lom Foundation Community support center - Lom € 30 280

Paneuropean Movement (Bulgaria) Association

Social inclusion through new digital skills € 26 382

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Gallery 10 – Art Center Foundation Employment realization and social integration of children and youth with hearing impairments through learning of artistic crafts

€ 24 973

Friends of Disadvantaged People Aid for self-support of people with psychic illnesses. Introduction of a crisis map of Sofia

€ 38 070

Knowledge Dissemination Association, Smolyan

Empowerment for life with dignity € 44 732

National Center for Social – Emotional Development

Future for our children – development of social skills of children of primary school age

€ 37 014

Dose of Love Association Open doors € 31 279

Bulgarian Association for Personal Alternative

Together for us € 23 608

Municipal Agency for Sustainable Development - Karlovo

New opportunities for employment realization of disabled people

€ 49 317

Mission Salvation Foundation Transition with art and knowledge – though art refugees and persons seeking protection of vulnerable group find their cultural identity and through knowledge about the environment and practical skills manage to take their life and the future of their children in their own hands.

€ 44 940

Fabric for Ideas Association Solidarity network for empowerment of unemployed youths and elder people “Grandma Residence "

€ 32 566

3.4.2. Thematic priority "Extending the provided services for enhancing the well-being of representatives of the target groups "


EUR Naya Association Dignity – life without violence € 59 600

European Software Institute – Eastern Europe Center Foundation

Technologies for inclusion of children and youths with autism in the community life and the labour market

€ 68 400

Animus Association Foundation “Zippy’s Friends” – the future citizens of Bulgaria

€ 69 700

Health and Social Development Foundation

Model of Integrated Development (MID) of Roma youths

€ 70 790

Helping Hand Foundation Together for the future of our children € 15 011

Center Maria Foundation Empowerment of vulnerable risk groups through provision of good-quality social services

€ 19 991

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Association of Parents with Children with Epilepsy

Initiative for inclusive family environment

€ 19 992

Re-Act Association Opportunities for everybody – enhancing the social skills of youths at detention centers for their efficient reintegration into society

€ 16 664

Materika Foundation Choose your future € 13 199

Worldwide Foundation Vulnerable Children

Mobile approach “Library of toys” € 16 968

Center of Support of Social Integration – Priorities Association

Metro-guide for blind people € 19 813

Bulgarian Federation of Winter and Summer Unifight

Prevention and integration through Judo philosophy (formation and sustainable development of a youth structure in the village of Lopyan, Etropole Municipality, on the basis of mutual Judo training)

€ 4 493

Multi Act I will succeed too! € 4 491

AKRO – Association for Carrier Development and Training

Learn and help € 4 400

Napredak – 1920 Community Center Together against loneliness € 4 352

Nauka -1902 Community Center Illusion or reality?! € 4 999

Tolerance for All Association Introduction of an innovative multidisciplinary model at the home for institutional care of children “Konstantsa Lyapcheva”, village of Dolna banya

€ 4 971

Habitat for Humanity Foundation For better homes € 21 996

Karin Dom Foundation Creation of enabling educational environment for children with special needs at kindergartens

€ 34 641

Panacea Foundation Informed today – responsible tomorrow € 34 645

Chovekolubie Association Social inclusion of people with deteriorated mental health in Strelcha Municipality

€ 42 906

Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion

Innovative approach in combining of social services and entrepreneurship – “Vazmozhnost” Center

€ 42 088

Gulliver Clearing House Foundation Mentorship programme for community support of children and families and prevention of dropping out of school

€ 49 327

3.5. Thematic area "Sustainable development and protection of the environment "

3.5.1. Thematic priority "Extending NGOs’ contrinution to sustainable development"


EUR

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Life with Dignity Foundation Demonstration eco-center for children and youth in Strandzha Nature Park

€ 17 030

Balkanka Association Fostering interaction between NGOs and state structures for reintroduction of the autochthonous Balkan trout in Rila Mountain

€ 17 555

Non-Profit Association Bagatur Wild animals and birds in the myths and customs of the ancient Thracians and Proto-Bulgarians

€ 19 437

Regional Movement Eco South-West Let’s bring the old apple and pear varieties back to our table

€ 14 000

Sofia Speleo Clubs Association The invisible wealth of the underground world

€ 16 458

Association for Territorial and Ecological Prosperity (STEP)

Partnership for environmentally-friendly management of pastures

€ 17 155

Public Compass Association Tortoises – ensuring their sustainable development

€ 15 936

Academic Sport, Touristic and Conservation Society - Ruse

Together caring for the wild Balkans € 12 300

Petar Bogdan 1909 Community Center Eco-center for training and sustainable development "U-planin"

€ 17 363

Tourist Society Prista Together for sustainable development of the Danubean islands

€ 17 000

Pleven Regional Business Center Association

We protect biodiversity € 15 929

Center for Education, Culture and Ecology 21 (Center 21)

Extending the NGOs’ contribution in the implementation of measures for sustainable development and environmental protection within national minorities population (Roma) in Dobrich Region

€ 4 984

School for Our Children Association The “green garden” at kindergarten and primary school „Prof. Nikolay Raynov” and open classrooms for all

€ 4 995

Center for Regional Development and Initiatives Association

Fostering civil initiatives for sustainable development and protection of biodiversity in the mountain meadows and pastures through bracken control

€ 4 906

Board of Trustees at primary school “Petko Rachev Slaveykov" – village of Dzhulyunitsa

Creation of multi-media laboratory for collection of a data base for the local habitat

€ 4 110

Junior Achievement Bulgaria Green entrepreneurship for sustainable development

€ 39 946

Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovations - Varna

Adaptation to climate change – opportunities for sustainable development

€ 20 677

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Gorichka Association Agents of change: platform for information and realization towards a more sustainable future

€ 27 500

Euro Perspectives Foundation Extending NGOs’ participation in the making and implementation of policies for sustainable energy

€ 35 899

Bulgarian Movement Blue Flag The school network of the “Eco-schools” and “Learning for the forest” programmes – model of successful cooperation for sustainable development, environmental protection and ecological education

€ 36 664

Balkani Wildlife Society We are not alone on the rocks € 36 671

Bikearea Association Protection of the environmental resources in the area of the high Western Rodopi through raising the awareness and development of sustainable tourist practices

€ 41 749

Sustainable Society Association The farmers’ markets in Sofia and Plovdiv – sustainable development events

€ 41 622

People and Nature Association The inherited seeds – connection between people and nature in the urbanizing environment

€ 35 664

Black Sea NGO Network Association Reducing waste in the sea and along the coast and sustainable use of natural resources

€ 43 494

Alliance for Regional Cooperation and Development

Green in action € 40 300

Bulgarian Bird Protection Society The search for the stork: "the science of citizens" in action

€ 37 476

Center for Ecological Law Extractive and Energy Industry Watch: legal journalistic practice for greater transparency and reporting of the energy and mining industries

€ 27 695

Supplementary activities

Own projects Study on the hate speech € 16 162

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4. EUROPEAN POLICIES PROGRAMME As a new EU Member State, Bulgaria shares a number of common challenges with the other countries of the fifth enlargement in Central and Eastern Europe. They result from their common historic destiny during the second half of ХХ century, the lower economic development as compared to the older Member States, and the lower level of integration with the European structures. There are concerns that, as a result of the economic and political crises, these differences, as well as the inherited prejudice might aggravate and lead to a less open and more fragmented EU, dominated by the processes of re-nationalization of key policies. In 2013, EU was enlarged once more by accepting a new Member State – Croatia. However, the enlargement process as a whole is at a standstill. The economic crisis in Europe started fading away, but there were signs of evolving political crisis, demonstrated by the growing euro-scepticism and populism, namely in the context of the European elections in May 2014. Meanwhile, more than eight years after its accession, Bulgaria is facing a number of specific challenges, related to its ability to efficiently counter the organized crime and the corruption, the lack of administrative capacity for utilizing the EU funds and for full participation in the decision-making process on European level, as well as a number of deficiencies in the functioning democracy, which are also challenges for the open society in the country. Bulgaria has two unfinished projects for European integration – Schengen and euro area memberships. At this background, the role of European Policies Programme is to support the full integration of Bulgaria to the EU, as well as to strengthen the capacity of Bulgarian institutions and citizens to implement the common European policies and to participate in their making. The programme combines research and analytical approaches with advocacy and monitoring activities. Through the European Policies Initiative, the programme establishes and develops contacts with research institutes and experts with similar goals in EU and particularly in the new CEE Member States, as well as in the countries participating in the neighbourhood policy and the Western Balkans. The main goals of the programme are the following:

greater “openness” of particular existing EU policies (visa policy, labour market policy,

enlargement policy),

greater relevance of the common policies to the specific needs of the new Member States

(economic policies, catching-up policies)

more active civic participation and more efficient use of the potential of the CEE non-

governmental sector, created during the transition years, in the European policy-making

process.

The European Catch-Up Index of European Policies Programme was continued in 2014 and proved to be one of the main projects of the programme. The project registers to what extent the Member States from Central and Eastern Europe had “caught up” with the older Member States in terms of the following categories: economy, quality of life, democracy and good governance. A special internet-based and highly interactive platform of the Catch-Up Index was developed - www.TheCatchUpIndex.eu, which provides each user with the opportunity to draw up his or her

30

“own index“ on the basis of the entered data and the functionalities of the platform with graphical representation. Based on the drawn up index, there were prepared analytical reports – by countries and categories, providing recommendations for development of policies for overcoming of the negative differences and for the successful “catch-up” process, which were summarized in the main report “It’s a process: 2013 catch up index“, in English, published on www.eupi.eu and www.thecatchupindex.eu ) in the beginning of 2014. The index served as a basis for the preparation of policy briefs, which were published on www.eupi.eu, as well as in Policies on www.politiki.bg as articles in Bulgarian, as well as publications and interviews in national and international media. In 2014, there continued the collecting and analysing of data for 35 countries by 47 basic indicators for the next issue of the 2014 Catch Up Index, which was published in the end of 2014. The fourth edition of the index with the report “The Effect of Gravity” was presented in December 2014 in Brussels at a public event in cooperation with European Citizens’ Action Service (ECAS), in that way also celebrating the tenth anniversary from the fifth enlargement of EU. In January 2015, the report was presented in Bulgaria, at an event with the participation of the Vice-Premier for Coordination of European Policies and the Political Science Department of Sofia University. In 2014 the issuing of policy briefs continued. They were focused on important topics and events, associated with the European integration of the new Member States from CEE and EU. They were published on the website www.eupi.eu and on other internet sites, as well as by e-mail to over 2500 recipients. The topics of the analytical reports included issues like migration within EU, focusing on the Bulgarian citizens in other Member States, the public opinion and trust in EU and its institutions, justice and internal affairs, civic participation problems on national and European level. In 2014, OSI-Sofia cooperated with the civil platform MoveBG, by taking part and supporting it for the closing conference of Visions for Europe initiative. The conference was held in May 2014, as one of the most interesting and important public events on European topics in Bulgaria. OSI-Sofia supported and took part in the publication "Visions for Europe: the Bulgarian Perspective and the European Priorities" (in Bulgarian and in English), which is a collection of reports of Bulgarian experts in the field, and the public presentation of the collection in December 2014. In the context of the elections for European parliament in 2014, OSI-Sofia implemented the project “Vote abroad: mobilization of Bulgarian citizens for the 2014 European elections“ with the support of the Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE), as part of the initiatives for mobilization of the European citizens, living in other countries of EU. The main aim of the project was the mobilization of Bulgarian communities abroad to vote at the European elections – for a local or for a Bulgarian candidate, thus taking part as European citizens with equal rights. The project was also intended to provide information of the processes and political debates in Europe after the elections, the formation of the new European Commission, its programme and other important events in the European institutions. The platforms in the social networks and the internet site, which were created especially for the project, remained operational after the end of the project, so as to provide information and feedback on European issues. OSI-Sofia also took part in the meetings of the Public Consultation Board to the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds to the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, as part of the civil contribution in the process of programming of EU funds and regional planning for the 2014-2020 period and policy-making on European level.

http://www.eupi.eu/

http://www.thecatchupindex.eu/

http://www.eupi.eu/

31

4. EUROPEAN POLICIES PROGRAMME

Own projects Topic Sum in EUR

Funded by Open Society Institute – Budapest and cofounded by the

European Policies Programme

Vote abroad: mobilization of Bulgarian citizens for the 2014

European elections

€ 27 863

Catch up index 2013/2014 € 24 630


EUR Civil platform MOVEBG Closing conference “Visions for Europe” € 4 387

Civil platform MOVEBG Publications "Visions for Europe: the Bulgarian Perspective and the European Priorities"

€ 4 090

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5. GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC POLICIES PROGRAMME In 2014, the Governance and Public Policies Programme continued to pay special attention to: the reforms of education and public healthcare; the realization of the Project Generation Facility (PGF), which is part of the initiative of Open Society Institute – Budapest entitled “Enhancing Roma inclusion through capacity building for making the most of EU funds”. Under the Governance and Public Policies Programme, there were also implemented projects in cooperation with a number of partners, the most important of which are the World Bank, logal NGOs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Finance, Eurocities, the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, embassies of EU Member States, leading printed media, etc.

Monitoring of crisis and poverty — macroeconomic, political and social risks

In 2014, the Governance and Public Policies Programme continued its traditional initiative Macro Watch for monitoring of the economy and public budgets. Analyses of the economic and of the social policy, as well as of the condition of Bulgarian economy were discussed at various occasions and were published in the electronic edition www.politki.bg of OSI-Sofia and in the mass media.

Healthcare: series of analyses related to key directions in the healthcare policies

In continuation of the work, related to the monitoring of key problems of the Bulgarian healthcare sector, the GPP Programme took active part in the public debate through publications in the printed media and interviews for agencies as Deutsche Welle and electronic media. The main focus of the programme’s work was again placed on human resources in healthcare, the migration of the medical staff and the regional aspects of the healthcare reform.

Measuring the quality of higher education in Bulgaria

In 2014, the team of Governance and Public Policies Programme continued its activities in the field of higher education quality studies. The main efforts were focused on the updating of the methodology of the Ranking System of the Universities in Bulgaria and extending the functionalities of its web platform. There were carried out a number of analyses and studies among all stakeholders within the process – students, employers, lecturers and administrators at higher educational establishments. At the request of the Ministry of Education and Science, there was published the fourth consecutive edition of the Ranking System of the Universities in Bulgaria (http://rsvu.mon.bg/rsvu3/). The presentation of the results attracted wide media interest. The accompanying analyses and the information therein were published in issue 04/14 of “Politiki” electronic edition.

Designing of a management system for effective vocational education

http://rsvu.mon.bg/

33

In partnership with Sirma Group and AdminSoft, the team of the GPP Programme took part in the designing of a management system for the vocational education at the request of the Ministry of Education and Science. Within the year, there were prepared 22 analytical reports based on the carried out sociological survey. 20 of the reports are dedicated to each of the so-called sectoral networks in the field of vocational education. The sectoral networks consist of groups of schools, providing education in vocational directions, which are similar among each other in terms of sectoral separation of the economy. Two of the reports are summaries, evaluating the condition of the overall vocational education and the effectiveness of the vocational schools. In December 2014, OSI-Sofia took part in expert discussions at the MES on the topics dealt in the reports and in the preparation of 5 public events for presentation of the results in front of experts and principals of vocational schools in Bulgaria.

Dialogue for a new public agreement for the pre-school and school education in Bulgaria

In 2014, there also continued the activities related to the development and extending of the Teacher Leadership Clubs. In the end of the year, the network included about 60 pedagogues from 4 kindergartens and 4 schools of 3 regions and 4 municipalities.

Varna hosted the Second national festival of the teachers of the Teacher Leadership Clubs carried out on 8 and 9 November 2014 under the motto “Education is what makes us free”.

Within the festival, the participants of the clubs presented portfolios of their one year’s work using the live book method.

Discussion was carried out in relation to the professional development of the teachers in Bulgaria in the context of the public discussions dedicated to the draft law on school and pre-school education. As a result of discussions and debates, the participants formulated proposals and recommendations for professional support and continuing qualification development of the teachers in Bulgaria.

The clubs started preparatory work for self-evaluation and evaluation of the application of the International Teacher Leadership (ITL) model of the Cambridge University - Great Britain in Bulgaria, which is due to be realized in 2015.

Monitoring and support of the educational policies in Bulgaria

In 2014, the experts of the Educational Workshop to the Open Society Institute took active part in a series of public discussions dedicated to the educational reform and the legal basis for its realization.

In 2014, the Open Society Institute participated in the realization of the Facility for selection of non-profit legal entities for the selection of observers in an advisory capacity and their deputies within the Committee for monitoring of operational programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth“ for the 2014-2020 programme period (OP SESG) and in the electing of a common representative in an advisory capacity and his/her deputy within the Education and Training Group of the Committee.

In December 2014, there were made a presentation at the closing meeting of the Monitoring Committee of project BG051PO001-3.1.06 "Enhancing the quality of education at the

34

community schools through introduction of all-day organization of the learning process", implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science under OP Human Resources Development. The presentation contained recommendations related to the achievement of greater effects of the programmes and projects for all-day organization and extracurricular activities. The recommendations are based on the results of analyses of OSI-Sofia in the field of education.

In 2014, there was initiated the preliminary evaluation of the effects of OP SESG on the educational integration of vulnerable groups like the Roma people.

During the period October - November 2014, the experts of the Open Society Institute took part in workshops of leading non-governmental organizations and experts, working in the field of the educational reform, and designed a set of recommendations on the updated version of the new draft law on pre-school and school education.

Representatives of the Open Society Institute took active part in the preparation and carrying out of a number of forums dedicated to the educational reform, among which the Pre-election discussion forum “Education – dialogue for the future“, organized with the parliamentary presented political forces within “Dialogue for the future” in September 2014, Annual conference “Quality education for every child“, carried out in November 2014 in Sofia by Together in Class Foundation, the Representation of the European Commission and the World Bank in Bulgaria, the International conference “Successful Models for Empowerment of Roma women and youth”, organized in November 2014 by the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance "Amalipe”, as well as a seminar for presentation and discussing of the results of “Study among children, whose parents are living abroad“, organized by UNICEF – Bulgaria in December 2014.

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5. GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC POLICIES PROGRAMME

Own projects Topic Sum in EUR Monitoring on crisis and poverty 2013/2014 —

macroeconomic, political and social risks " € 11 575

Healthcare – series of analyses related to key directions of the policies in healthcare

€ 1 312

Human resources in healthcare € 284 Dialogue for a new public agreement for the pre-

school and school education in Bulgaria € 1 096

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6. PROJECT GENERATION FACILITY AND MERI BULGARIA

The Project Generation Facility (Facility, PGF) is part of the programme "Making the most of European Union structural funds for Roma inclusion" (MTM2) of Open Society Institute - Budapest. PGF is managed by Open Society Institute – Sofia under the GPP Programme in consortium with 6 other organizations, distributed on regional principle – Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” – Veliko Turnovo, World without Borders Association – Stara Zagora, “LARGO” Association – Kyustendil, Roma Foundation – Plovdiv, New Way Association – Hayredin, Vratsa Region, Integro Association – Razgrad.

In 2014, the Facility continued to provide free of charge consultations to applicants for projects under the structural funds of the EU, working in favour of Roma communities, providing them with free of charge access to the same level and quality of project design and opportunities for advocacy, offered at high prices by consultants and consulting companies under the Structural Funds (SF). This is also evident from the achieved success rate, which is much higher than the usual for the typical funding applicant and is comparable to the efficiency of the good consulting companies. The consulting services were provided on the territory of the whole country for municipalities, schools, kindergartens and non-governmental organizations. The consulted topics were in the field of education, social services and employment. In 2014, thanks to the operation of the Facility, 7 projects were approved for funding to the total amount of almost BGN 5.6 million.

During the past year, the Mentoring service was broadly applied for support of PGF beneficiaries that have already won projects, but which have difficulties in implementation, reporting, preparation of competitions under the Public Procurement Act.

In 2014, the PGF was also focused on building the capacity of representatives of the non-governmental sector, working in the field of Roma inclusion, through the organization of trainings in the following spheres: "Organization and carrying out of advocacy activities"; "Integrated approaches and methods for prevention of the abandonment of children, early marriages and deliveries, early school leaving"; “Writing of projects"; “Acquiring of specific knowledge and skills for carrying out of scientific studies on local level for determination of the particular problems of Roma people within the local context ”; “Training for teachers at kindergartens and schools – strategies and approaches for effective work with the Roma community”; “Training in project development”

The Facility was used to provide two types of grants – refundable and non-refundable (real grants) (up to BGN 20 000). Two contracts were entered into under the non-refundable grants scheme to the total amount of BGN 12 003 and under the refundable grant scheme – four contracts to the total amount of BGN 129 713.

Summarized PGF statistics for 2014

Year Total Non-

funded project

Terminated consultation

or project not

In the process of

consultation

Submitted project

proposals waiting for

Funded project proposals

2 Making the most of EU funds for Roma inclusion

37

proposals submitted or research evaluation

2014 25 13 2 1 2 7

total = BGN 5 578 135

In 2014, there continued the development and enlargement of the Bulgarian network of municipalities for local effective Roma integration - Bulgaria (MERI), implemented within the initiative “Making the most of EU structural funds for Roma inclusion”- Open Society Institute – Budapest and coordinated by Open Society Institute in partnership with the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria. In the end of 2014, the network consisted of more than 50 municipalities.

The main activities of MERI – Bulgaria in 2014 included exchange of experience with municipalities from Western Europe (Gent, Belgium, Munich, Germany, Madrid, Spaid and Lion, France) and countries from Eastern Europe (Serbia and Romania) as regards the educational integration of Roma people, healthcare, improvement of housing conditions, ensuring of employment, including through the development of social economy and social entrepreneurship and active placement. 4 exchange visits were organized in the country, so as to study the good local practices for Roma integration. In 2014, as a result of the conducted distant trainings of the employees of the Bulgarian administration and of units and structures, providing basic services (schools, kindergartens, etc.), the number of issued certificates within MERI training programme reached 350. During the year, MERI – Bulgaria, in partnership with the city of Gent, Belgium, and with the support of the non-governmental organization ”Sensus“, Sweden, coordinated the activity of the informal group of municipal experts in social economy. Within the social economy facility, there were justified proposals for creation of legal instruments and designing and implementation of public policies enabling the reduction of poverty and social exclusion through social entrepreneurship.

Roma Project Generation Facility


EUR Regional Development Foundation “Roma Plovdiv”

Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

Liberal Alternative Association Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

Intregro Razgrad Association Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

World without Borders Association Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

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Center for Interethnic dialogue “Amalipe” Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

New Way Hayredin Association Regional partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 3 364

Network for Effective Roma Integration


EUR National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria

Partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 9 028

Foundation for Local Government Reform Partners for the implementation of the programme

€ 5 730

€ 14 758

Roma Project Generation Facility – supplementary and refundable grants


EUR Romano Drom Foundation, Pleven Childhood can be wonderful € 1 026

Romani Bah Association, Samokov Beyond differences – encouraging tolerance and diversity through integrated education for the youngest

€ 17 914

Bulgarian – Romanian Transborder Institute of Mediation Association

Socialization through educational integration

€ 22 107

Center for Educational Programmes and Social Initiatives /CEPSI/ Association, Yambol

Ethnic spaces € 18 991

Elisaveta Clark and Penka Kasabova Association

Multicoloured rainbow (model for educational integration of children in pre-school age in intercultural environment)

€ 0

The sum was refunded in 2014

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7. EMERGENCY FUND The Emergency Fund to the Open Society Foundation was founded in order to support the civil sector and vulnerable groups in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to face the negative effects related to the global economic crisis.

Crisis Fund


EUR Capital Foundation Raising the authority, influence and

capacity of NGOs through popularization of inspiring good practices – in partnership with “Economedia” AD and “Rusaliite” Riding Club

€ 9 948

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8. LEGAL PROGRAMME The mission of the Legal Programme consists in safeguarding the principles of rule of law and fundamental human rights in the process of reforms of the Bulgarian judicial power and law enforcement institutions. In 2014, the work of the programme was organized in two thematic priorities: protection of the fundamental rights of citizens and fostering transparency and accountability of the institutions responsible for justice and protection of internal order. Rule of Law Special emphasis in the work of the programme during 2014 was placed on the issue of rule of law in EU. In 2013, the European Commission organized a pan European debate on the protection of the rule of law as one of the fundamental principles, on which the EU is based, and one of the most important values of the Union as a whole and of all its Member States. As a result of the debate, on 19 March 2014, the European Commission announced a new framework for consolidation of the rule of law, providing for the Commission’s right to monitor and interfere in case of serious offences against the rule of law in certain Member States. The Bulgarian legal community did not take part in the debate on European level, which reveals poor knowledge of the current European issues and insufficient capacity to participate in their settlement. Therefore, in 2014, the Legal Programme of the Open Society Institute - Sofia organized a series of initiatives intended to acquaint the wide professional community in the country with the European debates on the consolidation of the rule of law and fostering the capacity to include in the process of common policy-making. First, the programme organized the translation into Bulgarian and the publication of the edition “On the Justice in EU”, which contains a summary and main speeches at the conference “Assises de la justice. What role for justice in the EU“, organized by the European Commission in the end of 2013. On 25 June 2014, a round table was organized in cooperation with European Studies Department to the Faculty of Philosophy of SU “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Lawyer Training Center “Krastyo Tsonchev“ in order to present the edition and to discuss the point of view of the Bulgarian legal community. The topic of the round table was “The application of article 7 of the TEU“, and its materials were published in “Advokatski pregled” magazine, issue 10/2014. Second, the programme dedicated efforts for the popularization in the country of already existing European mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of the state of the rule of law in the Member States. On 29 April 2014, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria, the programme organized a conference on the topic “Bulgaria on the EU scoreboard on the issues of justice“, whereat there were presented and discussed the Bulgarian results of the second edition of the scoreboard and formulated priorities for continuation of the reform of national justice. Again in pursuance of the same goal, on 30 October 2014, jointly with the National Institute of Justice and the Bulgarian Association for European Law, the programme organized a public lecture of Mr. Alexander Arabadzhiev, Bulgarian judge at the Court of Justice of EU on the topic “Rule of law based on the case-law of the Court of Justice of EU“. The lecture was

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attended by more than 70 representatives of the legal community in the country – senior judges, prosecutors, lawyers and lecturers in law. Audio recording of the lecture is available on the internet site of the Institute. Fundamental human rights In September 2014, the programme completed its participation in the implementation of the project “Improving access to justice for vulnerable groups via the implementation of a pilot scheme for primary legal aid hotline and regional consulting centers“, funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 and implemented by the National Legal Aid Bureau (NLAB), in cooperation with the Council of Europe. On the last stage of its participation, the programme prepared an evaluation of the results of the implementation of the two new services of NLAB (regional legal aid centers and legal aid hotline) for the first six months of their operation. The project contributes considerably for the strengthening of NLAB’s capacity to manage the legal aid system, while the two new pilot services of NLAB substantially facilitate the access to justice of a wide range of people in a vulnerable social position. In the end of 2014 (on 9 December 2014), the programme presented the results of the second national representative public opinion survey concerning the hate speech. The survey is funded by the Fund for supplementary activities of the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. The data show that this phenomenon is widely spread in our country and this necessitates the making and implementation of a special public policy to limit the hate speech and the hate crimes related with it. With a view to strengthen the programme’s capacity to work in this field, in 2014, there was appointed a research trainee, who will research and promote good foreign practices for fighting hate crimes. The initiative is supported by the Think Tank Fund to the Open Society Foundations. Transparency and accountability of the institutions 2014 was the year of important elections in the Bulgarian judicial system – the Supreme Judicial Council elected a new Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Cassation, as well as a number of chairpersons of lower-instance courts. With a view to provide information to the national debate about the criteria to hold chairperson’s positions at courts, the programme carried out a comparative legal study entitled “What do we (not) know about the chairpersons of the supreme courts in EU Member States“. The results of the study were presented on the round table on 11 September 2014. The study was carried out within the framework of the own project of the programme – “Monitoring of the staff policy of SJC“. The programme also continued its work on the project “The price of justice in Bulgaria“, whereby it carries out a periodical monitoring of the public costs for maintenance of the law enforcement authorities and of the judicial authorities on national level. In 2014, the project team collected and analysed information and carried out interviews for the preparation of the third report of a series.

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Opinions and proposals In relation to the taking of office of the 43rd National Assembly, the programme prepared an opinion to the temporary committee on changes in the Regulation on the organization and activity of the National Assembly, motivating the need of changes in the regulation along two axes: adopting of separate set of rules, providing for the powers of the National Assembly to appoint members of a number of collective state bodies (Supreme Judicial Council, Constitutional Court, Commission for Protection against Discrimination, Council for Electronic Media, etc.) and providing for further guarantees for expert and public participation in the process of new legislation adoption. The programme is making similar proposals to the National Assembly for the fourth time and until now only a minimal part of them is taken into account. Own projects Topic Sum in EUR

Monitoring of the staff policy of SJC € 620 Bulgaria on the EU scoreboard on the issues of

justice € 4 300

What do we (not) know about the Ministry of Interior

€ 308

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9. PUBLIC DEBATE PROGRAMME In 2014, the Public Debate Programme of OSI-Sofia encouraged the public debate on priority issues of the democratic society agenda through support and maintaining of the electronic edition Politiki.bg and publication of data from up-to-date sociological surveys of the Institute on the website OpenData.bg. In 2014, the team of the Programme administered a project under the Emergency Fund, implemented by Capital Foundation. It envisages the drawing up of a special edition, presenting existing good practices and NGO models, popularizing them as inspiring personal stories, which would encourage the involvement of more citizens in the non-governmental sector’s causes.

Own projects Topic Sum in EUR “Politiki” electronic edition € 9 802

Organization Topic Sum in EUR

Bulgarian Donors Forum Donated food vouchers for the people hit by the disasters

€ 1 002

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10. ROMA PROGRAMME

In 2014, the Roma Programme continued pursuing its key strategic aims and priorities. In this respect the following initiatives and activities were carried out: Initiatives aimed at the establishment of interethnic tolerance and overcoming of the negative social attitudes towards the Roma people

Support for Roma integration 2013-2020 Several public events were organized within this initiative. The topic discussed there was the progress in the implementation of the national strategic documents concerning the Roma community. The participants were representatives of Roma and non-Roma NGOs, local and national authorities, experts.

Participation in the conducting of an omnibus sociological survey 2014 Inclusion of questions about the social distances in the annual omnibus survey of the Institute and tracking of the differences in the attitudes and status of the Roma as compared to the rest of the population.

Project “PAIRS – Programmes for the active inclusion/integration of Roma” In 2014, there continued the implementation of “PAIRS – Programmes for the active inclusion/integration of Roma”, which includes 16 partners (NGOs and institutions from 8 countries of South East Europe). The project is funded by the South East Europe Cooperation Programme and co-funded by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. It aims at identifying good models of Roma integration and supporting their adaptation in the partner countries. A number of activities were performed – visits for exchange of experience, national and international forums on the improvement of the status of the Roma in South East Europe, preparing of information materials, etc.

Internet portal for ethnic minorities Ethnos.bg The internet portal http://ethnos.bg/ethnos.php is maintained by the Roma Programme by means of mobilization of internal resources and external experts. The portal provides information related to the legislation in the field of human rights, education, employment and other issues, which are essential for the Roma community. The portal is a source of news, information of on-going competitions and events and one of the most valuable parts of the portal is the database with contacts of organizations of the ethnic minorities. Initiatives for Roma capacity building for full participation in social life

Scholarship programme for doctors and post-graduate medicine students of Roma origin

http://ethnos.bg/ethnos.php

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The project “Roma Health Care” of the Open Society Institute – Budapest, in cooperation with the Scholarship Programme of the Roma Education Fund and the Roma Programme of the Open Society Institute – Sofia, implemented a project aimed at supporting the education in medicine, the mentorship and the training in advocacy of the Roma students in Bulgaria. 64 young Roma people from across the country received financial support for their education at higher educational establishments in the country and took part in the training in advocacy, organized by the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe”. In the course of their training, the students are supported also by mentors – a component realized again by the Open Society Institute - Sofia. The project also contains a communication component carried out by the Intelday Foundation.

Scholarship programme for students of Roma origin at Bulgarian universities Roma memorial university scholarship programme 2013 – 2014

The Open Society Institute – Sofia administers the Scholarship Programmes of the Roma Education Fund, Budapest. For the academic 2013-2014, the Programme for scholarships for students of Roma origin at Bulgarian universities (Roma Memorial University Scholarship Programme) granted 232 scholarships to Bachelor, Master and PhD students.

Internship programme Bridging Roma and Career Opportunities at the US Embassy

The programme was implemented for a second consecutive year. Three youths of Roma origin were selected by representatives of the Open Society Institute – Sofia and the US Embassy in Bulgaria to spend a 10-week summer traineeship and to improve their skills for work in a multicultural environment and their knowledge of English.

Scholarship programme “Medics for Tomorrow” The programme was supported financially by the Trust for Social Achievement and covered the academic year 2013/2014. It provided funding to students of Roma origin enrolled in medical programmes of higher educational establishments in Bulgaria. The programme was intended for Roma students, who cannot provide for themselves while studying and who do not receive support from elsewhere.

Own projects Advisory board of Roma civil organizations € 668

Condition of Roma people in Bulgaria: evaluation of the effect of the policies for integration of the Roma community in time of crisis

€ 409

Support for Roma integration 2013-2020 € 4 026 Internet portal for ethnic minorities € 48

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11. Scholarship programme “Medics for Tomorrow” with the financial support of the Trust for Social Achievement

Scholarship holder

Sum in EUR

Dragan Borisov Draganov € 1 074

Silvia Stefanova Vasileva € 1 074

Daniela Lyubenova Georgieva € 1 074

12. Internship programme at the US Embassy Bridging Roma and Career Opportunities with the financial support of the US Embassy

Intern Sum in EUR

Dancho Borislavov Yakimov € 624

Reneta Yankova Krivonozova € 624

Daniela Dimitrova Stoyanova € 537

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13. PROJECT DESIGN UNIT In 2014, the Project Design Unit worked on the preparation and formulation of project ideas and on the preparation of documents and offers for the ensuring of funding from various sources, in relation to the implementation of the OSI-Sofia strategy and the achievement of its goals. The Unit supported also the implementation of projects in the following main fields:

Jointly with the Unit for Social Surveys and experts of the Roma Programme, it prepared an offer for “Administration and implementation of a small grant scheme within Result 4 “Specific challenges for the health of Roma population” of Programme BG 07 “Public health initiatives”, funded by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014“, submitted to the Ministry of Health.

At the request of UNICEF, Bulgaria, the Unit prepared an offer for the National Study on NEETs.

The Unit supported the preparation of an offer on the topic “Support for targeted communication activities to fight discrimination and stereotypes against the Roma population and support for voluntary initiatives promoting mutual learning and twinnings among local and regional public authorities on Roma integration across the European Union“, where OSI is partner within a consortium with ICF CONSULTING SERVICES LTD as the leading organization.

The Unit supported the Legal Programme in the preparation of an offer on the topic Rights Academy - empowering the next generation of law professionals to stand for universal human rights, prepared within a competition under the United Nations Democracy Fund.

During the year, the Unit participated actively also in the elaboration of the Quality Management System of OSI, in relation to the certification of the Institute under ISO 9001:2008, as well as in the structuring and organization of the relevant QMS documentation. It also prepared the annual audit of the system. As a result of this, the Institute was re-certified under ISO 9001:2008 for a period of three years 2015-2018.

Documents

OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE SOFIA - OSIS.BG€¦ · 5 1. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In 2014, the Open Society Institute – Sofia continued working on four main priorities: good