In Bulgaria, the Cooperating Netherlands Foundations Programme was implemented in the period 1997-2007. During this time more than 250 cross-country projects of local civil society organisations whose total value is approximately 7 million BGN were implemented.

Mr. Zeldenrust and the team of Tulip Foundation visited the daycare centre for elderly people in Petkovo village, Elin Pelin Municipality, which was set up by Priobshtavane Foundation. The elderly residents of the village shared information about the activities organised on their initiative at the centre and their involvement in the life of the village.

Theo Zeldenrust and Maria Petkova visited a shelter for people with mental disabilities in Tsareva Livada Village, Dryanovo Municipality, which was set up by the local Association for People with Intellectual and Mental Disabilities.

The hosts from Saint Ivan Rilsky Donor Association welcomed the guests at the Elderly People Home and Social and Healthcare Care for Children in Balvan Village, Veliko Tarnovo Municipality.

The guests also visited the European Information Centre in Veliko Tarnovo, the Daycare Centre for Elderly People run by Third Age Foundation and the crisis centre set up by Nadya Foundation in Ruse, the Community Centre set up by Integro Association in Senovo, the Daycare Centre for People with Mental Disabilities Villa Riviera; Gavroche Shelter of the Association of the same name, the Special Needs Children, Training and Resource Centre of Karin Dom Foundation in Varna and Optima Shelter in Ovoshtnik Village, Kazanlak Municipality.

With the support of the CNF CEE Programme a variety of model services were launched in Bulgaria - the first day centres for children with disabilities; the first shelters for street children; the first protected houses for people with intellectual difficulties; the first day care for people with psychiatric difficulties. Homes, day centres, clubs and home care programmes for the elderly opened their doors along with crisis centres and shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence; consultative centres for young people with addictions; a centre for homeless young people and an outreach programmes for young people with risk behaviour; rehabilitation, social and educational centres for children and young people at risk; information and administrative centres offering services within the communities and specialised services for people with disabilities, children and many other groups.