FY26 American Spaces Vietnam Programming

The American Spaces Vietnam Programming opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission Vietnam Public Diplomacy Section. This funding initiative is part of the broader American Spaces program, which serves as a global platform for advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering connections between the United States and international communities. In Vietnam, these spaces are operated in partnership with local institutions and serve as hubs for education, cultural exchange, and professional development. The funding supports programs that highlight American leadership in science, technology, and innovation while strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support workforce development and innovation programming targeting Vietnamese youth. Specifically, the program aims to build a pipeline of skilled, English-capable, and job-ready individuals who can engage with U.S. businesses, institutions, and innovation networks. Activities are expected to focus on enhancing English language proficiency alongside technical skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, coding, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship. The initiative also emphasizes fostering greater understanding of U.S. technological leadership and expanding opportunities for collaboration with American organizations. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support programmatic activities delivered through American Spaces located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thai Nguyen, and An Giang. Projects must be implemented in at least two of these locations. Allowable uses of funds include personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, and other direct program costs, provided they align with the proposed objectives. However, several restrictions apply: funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, religious programming, fundraising, lobbying, or scientific research. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in leveraging additional resources without making it a condition of eligibility. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental entities. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as primary recipients, although they may participate as subcontractors. Applicants must demonstrate relevant programming experience and must maintain valid registration in SAM.gov, including a Unique Entity Identifier. All applicants must also secure any required local approvals before implementing activities in Vietnam. Individuals are not eligible to apply under this program. The application process requires submission of several mandatory forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and potentially SF-424B, along with a detailed narrative proposal and budget justification. The proposal must include components such as a program summary, organizational background, problem statement, detailed methodology, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of non-profit status are also required. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov, and all materials must be prepared in English and in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on clearly defined criteria, including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Each criterion is assigned a weighted score, with the highest emphasis placed on the strength and alignment of the program idea with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Applicants are typically notified of results within approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. Successful applicants may receive either a grant or cooperative agreement, with the latter involving substantial oversight and collaboration from the U.S. Mission Vietnam. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 2, 2026, with an anticipated project start date of October 15, 2026. The performance period ranges from 10 to 12 months, with the possibility of continuation funding based on performance and availability of funds. While this opportunity does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, similar programs are often reissued periodically. Applicants may direct questions to the Public Diplomacy Section via the provided email contact. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in workforce development and international collaboration, aligning educational programming with broader economic and diplomatic objectives.

Align proposal closely with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong monitoring plan; ensure detailed and realistic budget justification