U.S. Embassy Yangon Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition | 25 MMR NOFO 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 001

The U.S. Embassy Yangon Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition (Funding Opportunity No. 25 MMR NOFO 001) is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Mission to Myanmar under CFDA 19.040. It invites organizations and individuals to propose public diplomacy projects that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Myanmar. The central aim is to fund practical, audience-facing programs that highlight shared values, encourage bilateral cooperation, and expand people-to-people connections, while also helping Myanmar audiences better understand U.S. policies and perspectives.

A core requirement is that every proposed project includes a clear American element. That could mean incorporating American culture or history, partnering with an American institution, bringing in U.S. experts or speakers (in person or virtually), collaborating with U.S.-based organizations in a relevant field, or otherwise making the U.S. connection concrete and integral to the program design rather than symbolic. Applicants are also encouraged to use U.S. Embassy-affiliated spaces, specifically the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay, as venues for events, trainings, workshops, or public programming.

Priority funding will go to proposals that fit one or more of five program areas. First, Education: projects that provide skills-based or vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults, tied to economic empowerment, with special emphasis on reaching disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities. This category also includes initiatives that promote understanding of U.S. education and culture, help participants prepare for study in the United States, build linkages between American and Myanmar private academic and cultural institutions, and create training opportunities for Myanmar students, faculty, or artists. Second, Entrepreneurship: programs that train small businesses and entrepreneurs, again with particular interest in efforts designed for disadvantaged, marginalized, or rural communities. Third, Media Literacy, Independent Media, and Press Freedom: activities that strengthen digital and media literacy, support independent and citizen journalism training, and counter disinformation. Fourth, English Language Learning: projects that teach English and U.S.-related cultural content to Myanmar youth and young professionals, including targeted tracks such as Business English or English for Entrepreneurs. Fifth, U.S.-Myanmar Bilateral Relationship: programs that broaden understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society, highlight shared values and interests between Americans and Myanmar communities, and build durable networks and relationships.

Eligibility is intentionally broad. Applicants may include not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), educational institutions, alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs, and individuals. The opportunity anticipates making around 10 awards, with an award ceiling of up to $99,999 per grant. The original application deadline listed is April 15, 2025, and the opportunity was created on December 23, 2024. Applicants are expected to follow the detailed instructions in the official application package, and proposals that clearly define the U.S. connection, target priority audiences (especially underserved groups when relevant), and present feasible, well-structured programming aligned to the listed themes will be the strongest fit for this competition.

• The U.S. Mission to Myanmar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Yangon Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-04-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $99,999.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 001

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