AUBG Receives a Matching Challenge Grant for $1 Million from the America for Bulgaria Foundation

The America for Bulgaria Foundation has donated $1 million to the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG), and the donation will be used to attract current and future donors, and to foster a culture of philanthropy in Bulgaria. The $1 million will be donated to the university in stages. Each time a donation is made to AUBG, the America for Bulgaria Foundation will provide the same amount, multiplied by two, within that $1 million. And when the donation is from a new donor who is providing support to the university for the first time, then America for Bulgaria will donate three times the amount. In addition, the America for Bulgaria Foundation will match the donations made by trustees, alumni, employees and friends of AUBG. This year once again, the Foundation provides financial support that encourages other donations to AUBG - from individual and corporate contributors.

Funds from the proposed match will be employed by AUBG in various ways, including supporting enhanced civic engagement programs, funding a professional campus master-planning effort, supporting student and faculty activities and contributions to AUBG Pooled Endowment fund.

The America for Bulgaria Foundation received the Dimi and Yvonne Panitza Visionary Award at the AUBG 30th Anniversary Gala on May 19. “Your AUBG education has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to your democracy through active participation,” said Nancy Schiller, President and CEO of ABF, during the event. “Nothing speaks more directly to the values taught at AUBG than the recent peaceful demonstration on the part of the Ukrainian and Russian students against the war in Ukraine. Well done! AUBG's impact over the past 30 years is profound. That is why the America for Bulgaria Foundation provides financial support to the university."

“In the entire 30-year history of the American University in Bulgaria, the America for Bulgaria Foundation has been our largest donor,” said AUBG President Dr. David Evans. “Through donations totaling more than $25 million, ABF has helped hundreds of students receive first-class liberal arts education. AUBG's America for Bulgaria Student Center, which was built in 2012, was named after the Foundation, which provided $8 million for the implementation of the project. We will be happy for our cooperation to continue for the implementation of AUBG’s 5-year strategic program as well, which includes work on our new Center for Information, Democracy and Citizenship."

About the America for Bulgaria Foundation:

The America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonpolitical American grant-making foundation working in partnership with Bulgarians to strengthen the country’s private sector and related democratic institutions.

The Foundation seeks to enhance the longstanding legacy of goodwill and friendship between the American and Bulgarian people. For more information www.us4bg.org.