Chepelare is a municipality with 9 238 people . In 2001 the level of unemployment was 19.45 % . 35 NGOs function on its territory, which shows high civic activity. After a survey of community desire to be involved in the local development processes, the following results were obtained:

- Interest toward using the Internet was growing

- There was a need for information on economic possibilities, transborder cooperation, alternative agriculture etc.

- There is a growing interest in citizen participation and increasing civic activity

- Clients for language and computer literacy courses were growing in number

- There is a need for pooling information for donors and resources for the use of the NGO sector.

The NGO Center is a coalition of 3 registered NGOs in Chepelare, founded in June 2002 . The Center with the support of Chepelare municipality and the assistance of Peace Corps volunteer. The coalition was formed in the implementation of the АОL PEACE PACS project. Founder were the Community Fund Chepelare, Alternative education Association and Tourism Council Chepelare.

As a result of the project in 2003 the organization was equipped with computer room and 4 computers, printer, copy machine and scanner, prepaid Internet for 2 years. The room and equipment were granted by the municipality, as well as municipal official to provide the technical services. Each of the three organizations in the coalition was represented in the Center management.

The centers activity targets the local NGOs, young people, media, and disadvantaged groups. Its aim is to expand the territorial scope of the activity by attracting new clients, from neighbouring municipalities, to set up strong links with national and international development organizations and to establish Chepelare as a center of sustainable economic development.

The NGO center maintains and updates a data base for NGOs in the region and for ongoing programs and projects . NGO representatives and citizens visit the center to obtain information for ongoing projects, to consult about work problems and to use the Internet, quality technical services and computer equipment, as well a language learning software in English, Spanish and German. As a result of the center s activity NGOs can implement better their ideas and find partners in their work.