The U.S. Embassy will host a conference on Monday and Tuesday, February 26 and 27 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Sofia.  The conference will bring together Bulgarian ministry officials, U.S. Embassy Representatives and NGO leaders to discuss the last round of Democracy Commission grants and sources of alternative funding.

Media are invited to attend the opening session on Monday, February 26 at 10:00.  Ambassador Beyrle will open the conference and media will have an opportunity to speak with NGOs who have received Democracy Commission Grants in the past.  Media are also invited to the panel on Tuesday morning at 9:00 for a discussion with representatives from the Bulgarian government.

Over the past 14 years, the Democracy Commission has given over 4.2 million dollars in grants to NGOs to support projects that increase democracy and rule of law.  The last round of Democracy Commission grants will open on February 26th. 

Journalists who are interested in covering the event need to arrive at Radisson Hotel at  9:30 AM for set up.

For more information please visit the Embassy Home page at:  http://sofia.usembassy.gov/demcom.html or contact the U.S. Embassy Information Office at : 937-5173.