The foundation
A registered Bulgarian foundation that reviews proposals and makes grants to local organisations.
About the foundationCharity
Friendship with a purpose
The club's charitable work is organised through a separately registered foundation that makes grants to Bulgarian organisations.
The social life of the club and its charitable work are connected. Members meet, build trust and learn about the country. The annual bazaar and donations then turn that network into money for local projects. The charity foundation decides how that money is allocated.
How the pieces fit
Five focus areas
Emergency help, disability support, children in care, education and women's issues.
Read the focus areasGrant portfolio
Examples of the organisations and projects supported in earlier grant cycles.
See the portfolioCall for proposals
How Bulgarian organisations can put a project forward for consideration.
Grant application processA short history of giving
The club's first fund raiser is a tennis tournament in 1993. A Christmas Bazaar and concert followed in 1995, with the proceeds going to the children's cancer hospital named for Tsaritsa Yoana. In 2002 the charity committee gained legal registration as the Charity Foundation of the IWC, which allowed the club to receive business donations and issue valid receipts.
The bazaar remains the main source of charitable income. Donations, sponsorships and in kind support add to it. The foundation's grant making has supported organisations working with older people, children without parental care, people with disabilities, women and ethnic minorities.
Why local partners matter
The foundation does not run projects itself. It funds Bulgarian groups that already work in their communities. Those partners know the people they serve, the local services and the practical obstacles. A grant can strengthen work that is already trusted.
Support the next grant
A donation to the foundation becomes part of the next grant cycle. Become a donor or support the bazaar.