The U.S. Embassy Yangon of the U.S. Department of State has announced the U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition for 2025. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Myanmar by supporting projects that highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation and exchange. The grants encourage programs that include American cultural elements, involve American experts or institutions, and increase understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. Programs or projects are encouraged to utilize the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as venues.

The funding focuses on several priority program areas, including education, entrepreneurship, media literacy and independent media, English language learning, and strengthening Myanmar's bilateral relationship with the U.S. Educational programs should enhance STEM education, vocational training, and opportunities for Myanmar students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Entrepreneurship projects should provide training for small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural and marginalized communities. Media literacy programs aim to counter misinformation and support independent journalism, while English language learning initiatives should teach English skills relevant to business and professional development. Programs that foster mutual understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society are also prioritized.

The total amount available for this grant is $22,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Most awards are expected to be around $5,000. The funding instrument may take the form of a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. The performance period for funded programs is between one and twelve months, with the latest program start date being November 30, 2025.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions, individuals, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. No cost sharing or matching funds are required for applicants. To be eligible, applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. However, individuals are not required to meet these registration requirements.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed quarterly. While there is no strict deadline, the Embassy recommends submitting proposals by April 15, 2025, for priority consideration. Applications should include a detailed project description, a statement of organizational capacity, a monitoring and evaluation plan, an estimated budget, and key personnel information. A full application package may also require standard federal grant forms, including SF-424 series documents.

Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with Embassy priorities, organizational capacity, feasibility, clarity of goals and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, media outreach strategies, and sustainability. The review process will assess each application on its own merits rather than in direct competition with others. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for final review and potential funding.

For further details, applicants may contact the U.S. Embassy Yangon Public Affairs Section at RangoonPDGrants@state.gov.