In 2026, NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ celebrates 45 years since its founding. The Fund is the first donorship organisation in Eastern Europe established over the years, within the framework of the Warsaw Treaty. Instituted in 1981 by a decree of the Council of Ministers as the only sui generis organisation in Bulgaria, its primary mission, goals, and activities, are focused on sponsorship. It is called to organise and assist donative initiatives of Bulgarian and foreign individuals and legal entities in support of education, science, culture, restoration and preservation of historical and cultural values, health care, and other social spheres. Over time, the Fund has proven itself to be an active organisation occupying an undeniable place in the cultural and social life of the country.
NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ is the first organisation in Bulgaria to enjoy the status of official relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) since 2015. By decision of its Director General, UNESCO is renewing official relations with the Fund until 2027. In implementing the projects—the ‘Bulgaria in Full Brilliance’ exhibition and the ‘Vladimir Dimitrov – Maystora’ multimedia—the Fund has made a meritorious contribution to promoting our cultural heritage beyond the borders of Bulgaria.
Over the years, the Fund has collaborated with UNICEF. In 2019, the Fund became a member with observer status of the Bulgarian Donors Forum; in 2013, it was one of the founders and main partners of the Global Libraries Bulgaria Foundation (GLBF), along with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of E-government, and the Community Centres Union. NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ has been represented by its Executive Director in the Board of Trustees, and by members of the Fund’s Management Council in the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
In 2024, NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ was entered as a cultural organisation in the register of the Ministry of Culture, under Art. 14, para. 4, of the Law on the Protection and Development of Culture.
In accordance with its task to consolidate commitment to and develop donorship, the Fund has formulated its priorities: Life-changing education; Science for a sustainable future; Preservation of cultural heritage; Establishment of Bulgarian culture as a contemporary image of national identity.
NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ is a guarantor for the fulfilment of the will of donors. On the strength of this will, it has provided support in preserving significant sites of Bulgarian spirituality and historical heritage, and restoring Orthodox churches and monasteries, schools, community centres, theatres, galleries, museums, war memorials, and hospitals. It has also supported projects in various fields of science, education, social welfare and healthcare.
NEF ‘13 Centuries of Bulgaria’ is grateful to all its donors.