: U.S. Embassy Yangon American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition | 25 MMR NOFO 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 002

The U.S. Embassy Yangon American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run by the U.S. Mission to Myanmar to fund projects that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Myanmar. The core purpose is to support programs that highlight shared values, encourage bilateral cooperation and exchange, and build people-to-people connections. A key requirement is that every proposed program includes a clear American cultural element or a substantive connection to the United States, such as participation by American experts, partnerships with U.S. organizations or institutions, or U.S.-linked content in a specific field that helps audiences better understand U.S. policy and perspectives. Applicants are also encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as program venues, which signals a preference for activities that can be hosted through these public diplomacy platforms.

Priority is given to proposals that fit one or more of five program areas. The first is Education, with an emphasis on skill-based and vocational opportunities that support economic empowerment for Myanmar students and young adults, especially those from disadvantaged, marginalized, or rural communities. Education proposals can also focus on increasing understanding of U.S. education and culture, helping applicants prepare for study in the United States, building linkages between American and Myanmar private academic and cultural institutions, and creating training opportunities for Myanmar students, faculty, and artists. Within education, STEM is repeatedly highlighted as a major focus: competitive projects are expected to enhance STEM learning and practical skills, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and non-U.S. institutions. The stated STEM-oriented target audience includes learners ages 16 to 30 who are interested in STEM, educators, and groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields.

The second priority area is Entrepreneurship, which supports projects that train small businesses and entrepreneurs, again with special attention to disadvantaged, marginalized, or rural communities. As described in the notice, entrepreneurship programming is also closely linked to STEM and innovation, suggesting that proposals that combine business development with technical or innovation-oriented skill building, mentorship, or collaborative problem-solving approaches may be particularly responsive. The third area is Media Literacy, Independent Media, and Press Freedom, supporting projects that improve digital and media literacy, train independent and citizen journalists, and counter disinformation. The fourth area is English Language Learning, focused on teaching English language skills and cultural understanding for Myanmar youth and young professionals, including practical offerings like Business English or English for Entrepreneurs. The fifth area centers on the U.S.-Myanmar Bilateral Relationship, funding activities that broaden understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society for Myanmar audiences, while promoting shared values and strengthening direct connections between communities in both countries.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), alumni of U.S. Government-funded exchange programs, educational institutions, and individuals. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.022, with a grant funding instrument. The funding opportunity number is 25 MMR NOFO 002. The maximum award amount (ceiling) is USD 20,000, with an anticipated total of about 10 awards. The opportunity was created on 2024-12-30, and the original application closing date is 2025-04-15.

• The U.S. Mission to Myanmar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled ": U.S. Embassy Yangon American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-30.
• 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 $20,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 002

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: