American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon and its American Center Yangon, is offering funding through the American Center Yangon Small Grants Competition. This program is designed to support initiatives that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities in Burma, particularly those that advance strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The funding opportunity is administered under the ECA American Spaces Programs and reflects a broader effort to strengthen bilateral engagement through targeted, locally implemented programming. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund projects that clearly demonstrate alignment with America First policy objectives. These include making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous while showcasing American excellence. Projects must incorporate a distinct American component, such as U.S. experts, institutions, or perspectives, to foster understanding of U.S. policies and values. Competitive proposals will emphasize measurable outcomes, mutual engagement between the United States and Burma, and long-term benefits that reinforce U.S. leadership and credibility in the region. Funding is available for a wide range of programmatic activities across thematic areas such as democratic governance, youth workforce development, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and English language training. Awards typically range from 5000 to 20000 dollars, with a total program funding pool of 100000 dollars and approximately five awards anticipated. Projects must be completed within a performance period of one to twelve months. While cost sharing is encouraged to strengthen proposals, it is not a mandatory requirement for applicants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, individuals, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, and public international organizations. However, for-profit entities are explicitly excluded from applying as primary recipients. Applicants must meet certain administrative requirements, including registration in SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier if applying as an organization. Individuals are exempt from these registration requirements. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and failure to comply will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative of two to four pages. The proposal must clearly articulate objectives, implementation methods, timelines, key personnel, and monitoring and evaluation strategies. A detailed line-item budget and accompanying justification narrative are also required, outlining how funds will be allocated across categories such as personnel, travel, equipment, and indirect costs. Additional supporting documents include resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the designated embassy grants inbox. The submission deadline is July 31, 2026 at 1159 PM local time in Rangoon. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as alignment with embassy priorities, organizational capacity, program feasibility, clarity of objectives, and budget justification. Successful applicants are typically notified within 120 days after the deadline, and funded projects are expected to begin around late November 2026. Post-award, recipients must comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports, and final reports within 120 days of project completion. The U.S. Embassy provides oversight but does not directly implement project activities. Funding is subject to availability and may be adjusted at the discretion of the Grants Officer. This opportunity represents a strategic investment in programs that enhance U.S. influence and partnerships in Burma through impactful, locally driven initiatives.

Align closely with embassy priorities; include strong American component; ensure measurable outcomes and detailed budget justification