The U.S. Embassy Yangon, through the U.S. Department of State, has announced the 2025 American Spaces Small Grants Competition. This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen cultural ties and understanding between the U.S. and Myanmar by supporting projects that promote shared values, bilateral cooperation, and exchange programs. Applicants must incorporate an American cultural element, such as connections with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions, to foster increased awareness of U.S. policies and perspectives. The American Center in Yangon and Jefferson Center in Mandalay are encouraged as venues for program implementation.

The grant will prioritize proposals in key areas such as education, entrepreneurship, media literacy, English language learning, and U.S.-Myanmar bilateral relations. Education-focused projects should offer skill-based and vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults, particularly those from disadvantaged and rural communities. Initiatives promoting STEM education, critical thinking, and collaboration between U.S. and Myanmar academic institutions are especially encouraged. Entrepreneurship programs should support small businesses and startups in marginalized communities. Media literacy projects should combat disinformation and support independent journalism, while English language learning initiatives should equip youth and professionals with Business English skills. Programs enhancing understanding of U.S. policies and culture in Myanmar are also sought.

The total funding available for this grant opportunity is $114,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000. The anticipated average award is approximately $10,000. The length of each funded project should be between one and twelve months, with a final project start date no later than November 30, 2025. Multiple awards will be issued based on available funds. The funding will be administered as a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement, where applicable.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, educational institutions, and individuals. However, for-profit entities and for-profit educational institutions are not eligible due to funding restrictions. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number unless applying as an individual.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, approximately quarterly, until the notice expires. The U.S. Embassy recommends submitting proposals at least 3-6 months before the intended project start date, with an informal deadline suggested by April 15, 2025. Applicants must submit a project summary, an organizational capacity statement, a budget, key personnel CVs, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Required government forms, such as SF-424 and SF-424A, must be completed for full proposals.

Proposals will be evaluated based on embassy priorities, organizational capacity, feasibility, goals and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation strategies, media outreach plans, and sustainability. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to implement the program effectively while ensuring a lasting impact. If selected, applicants will be contacted to submit a full application.

For further information or to submit an application, contact RangoonPDGrants@state.gov.