A total of BGN 1,006,475 were distributed among 112 medical institutions, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, community centers, schools, micro and small companies.
The United Against COVID-19 Fund ended its activities on May 31, 2020, after helping about 700,000 people in need in nearly 300 populated areas in Bulgaria. Within just a month and a half, BGN 1,006,475, donated by 44 companies and individuals, were collected, distributed, and most of them utilized already.
Two rounds of funding were held. A total of 693 applications were received. Most – 303, were from non-governmental organizations, followed by 110 municipalities and 100 community centers. 55 hospitals and 26 other medical institutions also submitted projects funding needs. Candidates from small towns were the most active.
A total of 112 projects of medical institutions, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, community centers, schools, micro and small companies with ideas for social support of the people affected by the crisis were approved. Many of them proposed initiatives with a regional scope, which extended the territorial coverage of the fund to almost 300 populated areas around the country.
The funded candidates showed real enthusiasm and mobilization of efforts,impressively good organization and efficiency in the implementation of the planned activities. Most managed to cope in a few weeks and have already reported what has been done. Individual projects will continue until the fall of this year.
The maximum amount allocated per project is BGN 10,000 to provide medical equipment, equipment and protective equipment needed to serve patients with coronavirus, as well as food, medicine and protective equipment for lonely elderly people, the sick, children, unemployed, poor and other vulnerable groups.
The United Against COVID-19 Fund was established on April 9 this year at the initiative of the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum, the America for Bulgaria Foundation, U.S. Embassy Sofia and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria to support local communities in the country affected by the coronavirus crisis. The initiative won the trust of large and small donors by being open to a wide range of organizations fighting the crisis on various fronts, and also for distributing the donations transparently and on a competitive basis, according to objective criteria. All this ensures that the donated money reaches the people who really need it.
The United Against COVID-19 Fund has ended its activities, but thousands of people from vulnerable communities, as well as healthcare and social services continue to need help. They will rely on donor support long after the coronavirus crisis. That is why those wishing to continue to be useful are welcome to choose and support a cause via the DMS donation platform or can contact the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum.
The United founders are grateful for the generous support of: The Coca-Cola Foundation, America for Bulgaria Foundation, ContourGlobal Maritza East 3, NEPI Rockcastle, Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation, ING Bank NV, Progress Software, Citibank, Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria, UniCredit Bulbank, Glavbolgarstroy, MSD Bulgaria, TELUS International Europe, Tsetska and Grozdan Karadjovi, Svetozar Georgiev, Trust for Social Achievement, AES 3C Maritza Iztok 1, Paraflow Communications, Mylan, EXL Servise Bulgaria, Blagotvoritel Foundation, AIG Europe SA (Bulgaria branch), Fadata, Meglena Rusenova, Green Step Club, Rossen Ivanov, Krassimir Nenov, Titan Machinery Bulgaria, Tribal Worldwide and 16 anonymous individual donors.
Expect the inspiring stories of the organizations and people in need supported by the Fund on the founders’ websites and their social media profiles.
