Apply Now: Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition (Myanmar)

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition provides funding for projects that strengthen engagement between the United States and Burma while advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities. Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 support initiatives focused on economic opportunities, digital safety, English language learning, education, innovation, and regional stability.

Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition is inviting applications for projects that promote stronger engagement between the United States and Burma. The program supports initiatives that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering economic collaboration, improving digital literacy and online safety, expanding educational opportunities, promoting English language learning, and highlighting American innovation and leadership.

Projects should deliver measurable outcomes that strengthen U.S.–Burma relationships while benefiting entrepreneurs, students, educators, professionals, and civil society.

Program Objectives

The competition aims to:

Strengthen U.S.–Burma economic engagement.
Promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Improve digital literacy and online safety.
Increase awareness of digital fraud and scam prevention.
Enhance English language skills for business and professional development.
Promote American education, culture, and institutions.
Highlight U.S. leadership and innovation in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthen regional cooperation and mutual understanding.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects related to:

Commercial advancement.
Entrepreneurship and business development.
U.S.–Burma trade and economic cooperation.
Innovation and technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies.
Digital literacy.
Online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Anti-scam education.
Secure digital platform usage.
English language learning.
Business English.
Entrepreneurship education.
Vocational and workforce skills.
American education and cultural exchange.
Regional stability.
Governance and leadership.
Indo-Pacific cooperation.

About the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition supports projects that strengthen relationships between the United States and Burma through education, economic engagement, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.

The program encourages practical initiatives that help individuals and organizations build skills, expand professional opportunities, and increase collaboration with U.S. institutions while supporting broader regional development and mutual understanding.

Funding Information

Estimated total program funding: US$100,000
Award ceiling: US$50,000
Award floor: US$5,000
Cost sharing: Encouraged but not mandatory.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support projects that:

Strengthen entrepreneurship and small businesses.
Promote U.S.–Burma commercial partnerships.
Deliver innovation and AI-related training.
Improve digital literacy.
Raise awareness about online scams and cyber threats.
Teach secure use of digital technologies.
Provide professional and business English training.
Deliver vocational and workforce development programs.
Promote U.S. educational opportunities.
Strengthen academic and cultural partnerships.
Highlight American innovation and leadership.
Encourage regional cooperation within the Indo-Pacific.

Target Beneficiaries

Projects may benefit:

Emerging leaders.
Youth.
Early-career professionals.
Entrepreneurs.
Small business owners.
Educators.
University students.
Civil society organizations.
Innovation professionals.
Public sector practitioners.
Private sector professionals.
Individuals working in digital security and technology.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit organizations.
Civil society organizations (CSOs).
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Think tanks.
Educational institutions.
Alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.
Public international organizations.
Individual applicants.

For-profit organizations are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Propose projects that support at least one program objective.
Demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Comply with program guidelines.
Ensure activities align with U.S. public diplomacy priorities.

Organizations may subcontract certain activities; however, only one eligible nonprofit organization may serve as the prime recipient.

Ineligible Activities

Funding will not support:

Partisan political activities.
Charitable or humanitarian aid projects.
General development assistance projects.
Construction activities.
Religious activities intended to promote a specific faith.
Fundraising campaigns.
Lobbying activities.
Scientific research projects.
Commercial business ventures.
Organizational capacity-building unrelated to project objectives.
Duplicate projects already funded elsewhere.
Illegal activities.

Why This Program Matters

The competition strengthens cooperation between the United States and Burma by supporting projects that improve economic opportunities, digital resilience, education, and professional development.

The program helps:

Build stronger economic partnerships.
Support entrepreneurship and innovation.
Improve digital security awareness.
Prepare participants for global commerce.
Expand educational opportunities.
Promote responsible technology use.
Strengthen long-term people-to-people relationships.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Review the complete funding announcement and eligibility requirements.
Select one or more program objectives that align with the proposed project.
Design activities with measurable outcomes and community impact.
Develop a detailed implementation plan and project budget.
Include monitoring and evaluation methods.
Prepare all required supporting documentation.
Submit the completed application through the designated application system before the official deadline.

Application Tips

To improve the likelihood of success:

Clearly demonstrate alignment with U.S. public diplomacy priorities.
Focus on measurable and sustainable outcomes.
Include practical activities that directly benefit participants.
Develop a realistic project timeline and budget.
Explain how the project strengthens U.S.–Burma engagement.
Highlight organizational experience and partnerships.
Include strong monitoring and evaluation plans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing activities outside the program priorities.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Including ineligible expenses or activities.
Providing unclear project objectives.
Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Failing to define measurable outcomes.
Including political, religious, or commercial activities that are not eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition?

It is a funding program that supports projects advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities while strengthening engagement between the United States and Burma.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, NGOs, civil society organizations, educational institutions, think tanks, individuals, public international organizations, and alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.

How much funding is available?

Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000, with an estimated total program budget of US$100,000.

Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is encouraged but is not mandatory.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects related to entrepreneurship, digital literacy, AI, online safety, English language learning, vocational education, American education, and regional cooperation are eligible.

Can organizations subcontract project activities?

Yes. Subcontracting is allowed, but only one eligible nonprofit organization may act as the prime recipient.

What activities are not eligible for funding?

The program does not fund political activities, construction projects, fundraising campaigns, lobbying, scientific research, commercial ventures, religious promotion, or activities prohibited under the funding guidelines.

Conclusion

The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition offers organizations and individuals an opportunity to strengthen U.S.–Burma engagement through innovative projects that promote entrepreneurship, digital safety, education, English language learning, and regional cooperation. By supporting practical, measurable, and sustainable initiatives, the program contributes to stronger economic partnerships, enhanced professional skills, and long-term collaboration between the United States and Burma.