U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition | 25 MMR NOFO 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 003

The U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity that supports small, public-facing programs designed to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Myanmar. The central aim is to fund projects that highlight shared values, encourage bilateral cooperation and exchange, and help Myanmar audiences better understand U.S. policies and perspectives. A key requirement is that every proposed program includes a clear American cultural element, such as collaboration with an American expert, organization, or institution, or content that directly connects to U.S. culture, society, or policy perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as program venues, which signals the Embassy's preference for activities that can be hosted or showcased through these established public diplomacy spaces.

This competition is offered as a discretionary grant under Funding Opportunity Number 25 MMR NOFO 003, with the funding activity category listed as Education (CFDA 19.022). The Embassy anticipates making around 10 awards, with a maximum award size (ceiling) of $10,000 per project. The original application deadline is April 15, 2025. Because the award ceiling is relatively small, the program is best suited for focused initiatives such as workshops, short training series, speaker events, bootcamps, community outreach projects, small conferences, or pilot programs that can demonstrate impact within a limited budget.

Priority is given to proposals that fit one or more of five program areas. The first is Education, especially projects that deliver skill-based or vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults tied to economic empowerment, with special preference for efforts reaching disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities. Education proposals can also focus on promoting understanding of U.S. education and culture, preparing participants for study in the United States, building institutional linkages between American and Myanmar academic or cultural institutions, and creating training opportunities for students, faculty, and artists. STEM education is repeatedly emphasized as a high-value area, particularly programs that strengthen STEM skills, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and Myanmar institutions. The stated target group for these STEM-focused efforts includes learners ages 16 to 30, educators, and groups underrepresented in STEM fields.

The second priority area is Entrepreneurship, funding projects that train small businesses and entrepreneurs, again with particular interest in programs tailored for disadvantaged, marginalized, or rural communities. While framed as entrepreneurship, the opportunity also highlights STEM-related skill building, innovation, and institutional collaboration as important components, suggesting strong alignment for proposals that blend business development with technology, applied problem-solving, product development, or innovation ecosystems aimed at young people and emerging entrepreneurs.

The third area targets Media Literacy, Independent Media, and Press Freedom. Competitive proposals in this track would strengthen digital and media literacy, support training for independent and citizen journalism, and help counter disinformation. Projects might include practical training on verification techniques, responsible reporting, digital safety, audience trust-building, and methods for identifying and responding to manipulative or false content, ideally incorporating U.S.-linked expertise, tools, or comparative lessons.

The fourth priority is English Language Learning. The Embassy is looking for projects that build English skills and cultural understanding among Myanmar youth and young professionals, including practical, career-oriented formats such as Business English or English for Entrepreneurs. Programs that combine language instruction with professional development, workplace communication, networking skills, or exposure to U.S. cultural and professional norms would fit well, especially when delivered through interactive methods and supported by U.S. speakers or partner institutions.

The fifth area focuses on the broader U.S.-Myanmar Bilateral Relationship. This category supports activities that deepen understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society, promote shared values and mutual interests, and build people-to-people ties between Americans and Myanmar communities. Strong proposals here typically translate diplomatic themes into tangible community engagement, dialogue, cultural exchange, or collaborative problem-solving, while keeping the U.S. connection explicit and meaningful rather than symbolic.

Eligibility is broad and includes not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs, educational institutions, and individuals. Overall, the Embassy is signaling interest in practical, inclusive, and community-relevant programming with clear U.S. linkages, measurable public benefit, and strong potential to build lasting relationships or capacity, particularly for young people and communities that face barriers to opportunity.

• The U.S. Mission to Myanmar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-04-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 003

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