The U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Embassy in Yangon has announced the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition to strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Myanmar. This funding opportunity seeks proposals from organizations and individuals to conduct programs that highlight shared values and foster bilateral cooperation. Proposals should include an American cultural element or connection with an American expert, organization, or institution to promote understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. Programs are encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as venues.

The grant prioritizes proposals within five key areas: education, entrepreneurship, media literacy and press freedom, English language learning, and Myanmar-U.S. bilateral relations. Programs in education should provide skill-based and vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults, with priority given to disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities. Entrepreneurship projects should offer training for small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved areas. Media literacy initiatives should focus on countering disinformation and supporting independent journalism. English language learning programs should help Myanmar youth and professionals acquire language skills, including business English. Bilateral relations projects should promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society, fostering people-to-people connections.

The grant provides funding between five thousand dollars and ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine dollars per project, with a total available funding amount of three hundred thousand dollars, subject to confirmation of availability. The expected number of awards will vary depending on the funding requested. Projects should be completed within twelve months of the start date, and the latest anticipated project start date is November thirty, two thousand twenty-five. Funding will be provided as a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement, with the latter involving active participation from the embassy.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, educational institutions, and individuals. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Applicants must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and, except for individuals, must be registered on the System for Award Management (SAM) with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before receiving funding.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the embassy recommending submissions by April fifteen, two thousand twenty-five. The review process evaluates proposals based on alignment with embassy priorities, organizational capacity, feasibility, clearly stated goals and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, media outreach plans, and sustainability. Full proposals require completion of federal forms such as SF-424 and budget narratives.

All applications must be submitted via email to RangoonPDGrants@state.gov. Questions regarding the application process should also be directed to this contact. Additional details, including terms and conditions, can be found through the U.S. Department of State’s procurement office website.