The gift will fund innovative projects to help achieve Gabrovans’ vision for their city.
The Foundation supports the local community in its efforts to transform Gabrovo into an attractive city for young people. Gabrovo’s community giving fund was chosen to receive the donation because of its 15-year history, impeccable reputation, and active circle of committed donors, which make it ABF’s natural partner in Gabrovo.
ABF President Nancy Schiller personally handed the check to the fund’s executive director, Tihomir Galov, during our visit to Gabrovo on March 22. “I hope that you will support the vision of the Conference of the Future participants. They really believe in the prospects of this wonderful city. I hope that the municipality, citizens, and nonprofit and business communities will work together to ensure that young people come back to Gabrovo and that the city becomes a fixture on Bulgaria’s tourism map and a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Schiller said.
On February 23 and 24, 2018, more than a hundred members of the Gabrovo community came together to swap ideas and draw up a vision for their city’s development for the next five years. Participants included art managers, educators, artists, business owners, civil servants, and NGO professionals. Over two intense days of group discussions, presentations, and one-on-ones, the community networked, reviewed missed opportunities, and outlined priorities for Gabrovo’s future.
Conference participants identified several priority areas for the city’s development. They wish to organize more community-building activities, encourage entrepreneurship in the region, create an appealing brand identity for the city and attract year-round tourism, encourage sports and physical activity, promote green initiatives, and improve Gabrovo’s educational offerings.
