American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon and the American Center Yangon, is offering funding through its Small Grants Competition to support programs that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in Burma. This initiative is part of the broader American Spaces programming and is funded under FY26 ECA American Spaces Support Funds. The program is designed to strengthen bilateral engagement while promoting U.S. strategic, economic, and cultural interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The Embassy emphasizes projects that incorporate a clear American component, such as U.S. experts, institutions, or perspectives, to enhance understanding of U.S. policies and values. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that align with America First objectives, including making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Proposed programs must demonstrate tangible benefits to U.S. interests while fostering reciprocal engagement with Burmese audiences. Priority areas include democratic governance and rule of law, vocational and English language training, economic development and entrepreneurship, and the promotion of American excellence in culture, education, and innovation. Programs should target key audiences such as youth, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions, with a focus on measurable outcomes and long-term impact. Funding is available for projects lasting between one and twelve months, with awards ranging from 5000 to 20000 dollars and a total program funding pool of 100000 dollars. Approximately five awards are anticipated, subject to the availability of funds. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Allowable expenses include personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, and other direct costs necessary for project implementation. However, the program explicitly prohibits funding for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying, scientific research, and commercial ventures. Eligibility is open to a wide range of applicants, including nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society groups, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, private educational institutions, public international organizations, and individuals. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply, although subcontracting is permitted under a nonprofit lead organization. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from these requirements. Applicants may submit only one proposal per organization. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms, including SF-424 and associated budget forms, along with a detailed proposal narrative of two to four pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, project design, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed line-item budget and budget justification narrative are also required. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status must be included. Applications must be submitted electronically via email by July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. local time. Late submissions will not be considered. The review process evaluates proposals based on alignment with Embassy priorities, organizational capacity, program quality and feasibility, clarity of goals and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement administered by the U.S. Department of State, with standard reporting requirements including quarterly program and financial reports. The anticipated project start date is November 30, 2026. While the Embassy does not have substantial involvement in implementation, it will provide oversight and monitoring. This funding opportunity is subject to the availability of funds and may support continuation funding based on performance and strategic alignment.

Align closely with U.S. Embassy priorities; include a clear American component; ensure measurable outcomes and strong monitoring and evaluation; provide a detailed and realistic budget