On June 5, the first jury meeting of the year for the TELUS Digital Community Board in Bulgaria Foundation was held. Over 100 applications competed, with a significant portion in the education sector. The jury selected five socially significant projects supporting local communities in Bozhurishte, Varna, Sofia, and Haskovo, allocating a total of 67,620 BGN. The supported civil society organization projects are:
Social Future Foundation, Project: "Jamba" - Health Education Program for the deaf community
The foundation's team, leveraging years of experience supporting the deaf community in Bulgaria, will address the acute need for accessible information by creating an adapted health education program. This initiative aims to reduce social isolation while enhancing health literacy and the quality of childcare in the community. Tailored for youth, future, and young parents, the program will focus on crucial areas such as early childhood care, parenting, sexual health, and family planning. A key element of this project is the development of a digital sign language video channel, providing long-term, free access to this important information.
Association "For the Children-2017", Project: Culinary Workshop "Inspiration"
Youth with special needs from the "Garden of Inspiration" Sheltered Employment Center in Bozhurishte will develop their culinary skills and receive practical training in cooking, preservation, and processing of locally grown produce. The project aims to provide better chances for independent living through a sustainable sheltered employment model and create additional opportunities for youth participation in various community events.
Cultural center „N.Y.Vaptcarov-1964“, Project: Waste-Free
The initiative will reach over 600 direct beneficiaries, including 420 children and students from various educational institutions in Haskovo municipality, as well as their teachers, parents, and volunteers. The project team will implement a separate collection of food and beverage packaging in two schools, a kindergarten, two community centers, and a seniors' club. In addition there will be two community shared composters installed and volunteer actions related to preventing food waste will be organized. The children of Haskovo will be able to take part in a first of its kind eco-culinary academy.
Association Sports Club „Uspeh“-Sofia, Project: Discovering the Mountain - Learning and Protecting Nature
The mountain holds its wonders for everyone ready to discover them - whether through sight, touch, or hearing. This project opens new horizons for visually impaired people, uniting over 60 participants - children, blind people, and volunteers - in a shared journey of discovery. Through carefully planned hikes and expert-led talks, participants will discover the richness of the mountain environment, gain mountaineering skills, and visit the Trail for the Blind in the Dendrarium, where Braille signs tell stories about local flora and fauna. Thematic materials will be recorded for the continuously growing audio library for the blind, creating a lasting resource for future generations.
Association for Support of People with Mental Disabilities, Project: "Ceramic Art" Workshop
The project will create an adapted environment for regular pottery sessions, a proven therapeutic method for social inclusion and personal development of people with intellectual disabilities in Varna. A specialized team of trained therapists will work with 40 participants who will develop practical skills through activities integrated into their work program. The creative achievements of participants will be presented at an exhibition, showcasing their talents and capabilities while raising public awareness about their potential. The established sustainable model for therapy and training will continue to function after the project ends, ensuring long-term support for social integration and development of people with intellectual disabilities.
In 2024, a total of 13 organizations received funding to implement projects supporting various communities across the country in the areas of healthcare, education, and environment, benefiting over 100,000 people nationwide. Applications for the next funding round will open in fall 2025 and announced on the foundation's website.
Social Future Foundation, Project: "Jamba" - Health Education Program for the deaf community
The foundation's team, leveraging years of experience supporting the deaf community in Bulgaria, will address the acute need for accessible information by creating an adapted health education program. This initiative aims to reduce social isolation while enhancing health literacy and the quality of childcare in the community. Tailored for youth, future, and young parents, the program will focus on crucial areas such as early childhood care, parenting, sexual health, and family planning. A key element of this project is the development of a digital sign language video channel, providing long-term, free access to this important information.
Association "For the Children-2017", Project: Culinary Workshop "Inspiration"
Youth with special needs from the "Garden of Inspiration" Sheltered Employment Center in Bozhurishte will develop their culinary skills and receive practical training in cooking, preservation, and processing of locally grown produce. The project aims to provide better chances for independent living through a sustainable sheltered employment model and create additional opportunities for youth participation in various community events.
Cultural center „N.Y.Vaptcarov-1964“, Project: Waste-Free
The initiative will reach over 600 direct beneficiaries, including 420 children and students from various educational institutions in Haskovo municipality, as well as their teachers, parents, and volunteers. The project team will implement a separate collection of food and beverage packaging in two schools, a kindergarten, two community centers, and a seniors' club. In addition there will be two community shared composters installed and volunteer actions related to preventing food waste will be organized. The children of Haskovo will be able to take part in a first of its kind eco-culinary academy.
Association Sports Club „Uspeh“-Sofia, Project: Discovering the Mountain - Learning and Protecting Nature
The mountain holds its wonders for everyone ready to discover them - whether through sight, touch, or hearing. This project opens new horizons for visually impaired people, uniting over 60 participants - children, blind people, and volunteers - in a shared journey of discovery. Through carefully planned hikes and expert-led talks, participants will discover the richness of the mountain environment, gain mountaineering skills, and visit the Trail for the Blind in the Dendrarium, where Braille signs tell stories about local flora and fauna. Thematic materials will be recorded for the continuously growing audio library for the blind, creating a lasting resource for future generations.
Association for Support of People with Mental Disabilities, Project: "Ceramic Art" Workshop
The project will create an adapted environment for regular pottery sessions, a proven therapeutic method for social inclusion and personal development of people with intellectual disabilities in Varna. A specialized team of trained therapists will work with 40 participants who will develop practical skills through activities integrated into their work program. The creative achievements of participants will be presented at an exhibition, showcasing their talents and capabilities while raising public awareness about their potential. The established sustainable model for therapy and training will continue to function after the project ends, ensuring long-term support for social integration and development of people with intellectual disabilities.
In 2024, a total of 13 organizations received funding to implement projects supporting various communities across the country in the areas of healthcare, education, and environment, benefiting over 100,000 people nationwide. Applications for the next funding round will open in fall 2025 and announced on the foundation's website.
