American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition

1.  Project Background, Goals and Objectives American Center Yangon Small Grants’ projects must clearly advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how the proposed activities make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebrating Freedom250 and American excellence.  Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests; elevate U.S. leadership and credibility; promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial engagement with Burma and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below.   AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA SAFER – Programs that directly advance the security and resilience of the United States by promoting American democratic governance and interests in Burma. This includes initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, counter trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness and corruption that threaten U.S. interests, uphold American-defined human rights, and empower civil society to create an environment that aligns with U.S. peace and security priorities in the region.   AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA STRONGER – Programs that advance America First priorities by equipping Burma’s students and young adults with skill‑based and vocational training that strengthens U.S.–relevant economic competitiveness. Proposals should promote accurate understanding of U.S. education, institutions, and culture; prepare potential qualified candidates for lawful study and exchange opportunities related to the United States; and build durable linkages with American academic, vocational, and cultural institutions. These may also include activities that strengthen the United States’ global leadership by promoting American values, and civic engagement rooted in U.S. principles. These programs should deepen U.S. influence in Burma, reinforce American cultural and educational standards, and build enduring partnerships that serve American diplomatic and strategic interests.   AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA MORE PROSPEROUS – Projects that advance U.S.–Burma economic ties and U.S. prosperity by strengthening entrepreneurs and businesses that align with U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Activities that expand economic opportunities for the United States by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development that benefit American businesses and industries. Priority will be given to programs that promote U.S.-led STEM education, vocational training aligned with American economic priorities, or trade capacity building that directly supports U.S. economic growth and reduces reliance on adversarial actors.   AMERICA FIRST: AMERICAN EXCELLENCE – Projects that showcase the superiority of American leadership, innovation, arts, and community service. These initiatives should highlight U.S. achievements and role models, inspire admiration for American values, and promote collaboration that advances U.S. interests in technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, ensuring America’s continued prominence on the global stage. Activities may include programs that feature U.S. experts or content on Indo‑Pacific strategy, maritime and economic security, or resilient supply chains, and that clearly communicate U.S. strengths, values, and strategic objectives to Burma‑based audiences .   ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING – Programs that advance America First priorities by providing Business English and English for Entrepreneurship essential to U.S.–linked trade, investment, and regional stability. Proposals should build high‑level English skills needed to work with American companies, navigate U.S. standards and contracts, participate in regional supply chains, and engage in lawful, rules‑based economic activity. Activities may include targeted English training for professionals, entrepreneurs, and future business leaders that uses U.S. materials, terminology, and case studies and clearly supports U.S. economic and st

The following organizations – both U.S. and foreign – are eligible to apply:• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Alumni of USG Exchanges• Private Educational institutions• Individuals• Public International OrganizationsFor-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer t