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

FAQs: U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition

What is the JCM Small Grants Competition?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run by the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar to support small, public-facing programs that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Myanmar.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

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.

What is the funding opportunity number and category?

The competition is offered under Funding Opportunity Number 25 MMR NOFO 003. The funding activity category is Education (CFDA 19.022).

How many awards will be made?

The Embassy anticipates making around 10 awards.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award size (ceiling) is $10,000 per project.

When is the application deadline?

The original application deadline is April 15, 2025.

What types of projects are a good fit for a $10,000 ceiling?

Because the award ceiling is relatively small, the opportunity is best suited to focused initiatives such as workshops, short training series, speaker events, bootcamps, community outreach projects, small conferences, or pilot programs that can show impact within a limited budget.

Does every project need a U.S. connection?

Yes. A key requirement is that every proposed program includes a clear American cultural element.

What counts as an American cultural element?

Examples include collaboration with an American expert, organization, or institution, or content that directly connects to U.S. culture, society, or U.S. policy perspectives.

Are there preferred venues for activities?

Applicants are encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as program venues. This signals a preference for activities that can be hosted or showcased through these public diplomacy spaces.

Is this grant intended for public-facing programs only?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes small, public-facing programs designed to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding.

What program areas are prioritized?

Priority is given to proposals that fit one or more of five areas: (1) Education, (2) Entrepreneurship, (3) Media Literacy, Independent Media, and Press Freedom, (4) English Language Learning, and (5) the broader U.S.-Myanmar Bilateral Relationship.

What does the Education priority area focus on?

Education proposals are especially encouraged when they deliver skill-based or vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults tied to economic empowerment, with special preference for disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities.

Can Education proposals include U.S. education and cultural content?

Yes. 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.

How important is STEM within the Education area?

STEM education is repeatedly emphasized as a high-value area, including programs that strengthen STEM skills, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and Myanmar institutions.

Who is the target group for STEM-focused efforts?

The stated target group includes learners ages 16 to 30, educators, and groups underrepresented in STEM fields.

What does the Entrepreneurship priority area support?

It funds projects that train small businesses and entrepreneurs, with particular interest in programs tailored for disadvantaged, marginalized, or rural communities.

Can Entrepreneurship projects include STEM or innovation components?

Yes. The opportunity highlights STEM-related skill building, innovation, and institutional collaboration as important components, suggesting strong alignment for projects that blend business development with technology, applied problem-solving, product development, or innovation ecosystems aimed at young people and emerging entrepreneurs.

What kinds of projects fit the Media Literacy, Independent Media, and Press Freedom area?

Competitive proposals would strengthen digital and media literacy, support training for independent and citizen journalism, and help counter disinformation.

What topics can be included in media literacy or journalism training?

Examples mentioned include 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.

What does the English Language Learning priority area support?

It supports 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.

Are professional development elements encouraged in English language projects?

Yes. Projects that combine language instruction with professional development, workplace communication, networking skills, or exposure to U.S. cultural and professional norms are described as a strong fit, especially when delivered through interactive methods and supported by U.S. speakers or partner institutions.

What does the U.S.-Myanmar Bilateral Relationship priority area cover?

This area 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.

How should projects approach the bilateral relationship theme?

Strong proposals 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.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility 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.

Is the Embassy looking for any particular style of programming?

The Embassy signals 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.

Are certain communities or participants prioritized?

Yes. Across multiple program areas, special preference or particular interest is noted for efforts reaching disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities. Young people are also emphasized, including STEM learners ages 16 to 30 and Myanmar youth and young professionals for English language learning.

Do proposals need to show measurable public benefit?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes measurable public benefit and programs that can demonstrate impact, particularly given the small grant size.

Is this a discretionary grant?

Yes. The competition is described as a discretionary grant under the stated funding opportunity number.

Can one project fit more than one priority area?

Yes. Priority is given to proposals that fit one or more of the five program areas, so a project can align with multiple areas as long as the U.S. linkage is clear.