Request for Applications: Vietnam CyberSafe Hacks 2026

The U.S. Department of State’s Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City is inviting eligible organizations to implement a cybersecurity education program that equips students and early-stage professionals in Vietnam with the skills to combat cyber scams and cyber-enabled trafficking. The program offers funding of up to $35,633 to support projects that promote cybersecurity awareness, digital resilience, and innovative solutions to emerging cyber threats.

Program Overview

The U.S. Department of State’s Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City has announced an open competition for organizations to implement a cybersecurity education program in Vietnam. The initiative aims to prepare young people with practical knowledge and technical skills to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber scams and trafficking-related cybercrime.

The program specifically targets students and early-stage professionals aged 18 to 30, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions that improve digital safety and strengthen cybersecurity within their communities.

By combining education, technology, and innovation, the program seeks to enhance regional security while supporting Vietnam’s growing digital economy.

Grant at a Glance

• Funding Organization: U.S. Department of State – Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City
• Program Location: Vietnam
• Program Focus: Cybersecurity education and cyber scam prevention
• Target Participants: Students and early-stage professionals aged 18–30
• Estimated Total Funding: $35,633
• Maximum Grant Award: $35,633
• Award Ceiling: $35,633

Program Objectives

The program aims to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and equip young professionals with the knowledge needed to address cyber-enabled crime.

Key objectives include:

• Raise awareness about cyber scams and online fraud.
• Reduce vulnerabilities to cyber-enabled financial crimes.
• Increase understanding of cyber scams and trafficking networks.
• Develop practical cybersecurity knowledge and digital skills.
• Introduce participants to emerging American technologies.
• Encourage secure, innovative, and legally compliant digital solutions.
• Support U.S. and regional prosperity through stronger digital security.

Understanding the Need for the Program

Cyber scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of transnational organized crime in Southeast Asia. Criminal organizations increasingly use digital technologies to conduct online fraud, financial scams, identity theft, and cyber-enabled trafficking.

Vietnam is experiencing rapid digital transformation, creating significant opportunities for economic growth and technological innovation. However, increased internet usage has also led to greater exposure to cybercrime.

This program helps prepare the next generation of professionals to understand these risks and develop practical solutions that strengthen cybersecurity and digital resilience.

Key Focus Areas

The program supports projects that focus on:

• Cyber scam awareness and prevention.
• Reducing vulnerabilities to cyber-enabled fraud.
• Understanding cyber-enabled trafficking.
• Cybersecurity education and digital literacy.
• Emerging American technologies.
• Secure and legally compliant digital innovation.
• Development of practical cybersecurity solutions.
• Strengthening regional security and cooperation.

Expected Activities

Organizations may design activities such as:

• Cybersecurity workshops.
• Digital literacy training.
• Cyber scam awareness campaigns.
• Expert seminars.
• Technology demonstrations.
• Innovation competitions.
• Hackathons.
• Practical cybersecurity exercises.
• Community outreach programs.
• Collaborative learning projects.

Why This Program Matters

Cybercrime continues to evolve rapidly, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

This initiative helps young people gain the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Protect themselves from cyber scams.
• Recognize cyber-enabled trafficking risks.
• Promote responsible digital behavior.
• Develop innovative cybersecurity solutions.
• Strengthen digital resilience within their communities.
• Support safer digital ecosystems across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Think tanks.
• Civil society organizations.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Public educational institutions.
• Private educational institutions operating on a non-profit basis.
• Public international organizations.
• Government institutions.

Organizations may collaborate with subcontractors, but only one eligible non-profit organization may serve as the prime recipient of the grant.

Applicants must clearly define the responsibilities of each participating organization within the proposal.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following organizations are not eligible:

• For-profit companies.
• Commercial businesses.
• Private organizations operating for profit.

Funding Information

Funding details include:

• Estimated Total Funding: $35,633
• Maximum Grant Amount: $35,633
• Award Ceiling: $35,633

Applicants should prepare a realistic budget that directly supports the proposed project activities and expected outcomes.

Target Participants

The program is intended for:

• University students.
• College students.
• Recent graduates.
• Early-stage professionals.
• Young innovators.
• Individuals between 18 and 30 years of age.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to:

• Greater awareness of cyber scams.
• Improved cybersecurity knowledge.
• Better understanding of cyber-enabled trafficking.
• Increased digital literacy.
• Stronger cybersecurity skills.
• Innovative digital security solutions.
• Enhanced regional cooperation in cybersecurity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
2. Review the program objectives and ensure your proposed activities align with the funding priorities.
3. Develop a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, activities, implementation methods, expected outcomes, and evaluation plans.
4. Prepare a comprehensive budget that clearly explains how grant funds will be used.
5. If partnering with other organizations, clearly define the role and responsibilities of each partner, while identifying one eligible non-profit organization as the prime recipient.
6. Submit the complete proposal and all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To improve the quality of your application, avoid the following mistakes:

• Applying as a for-profit organization.
• Submitting projects unrelated to cybersecurity or cyber scam prevention.
• Providing incomplete or unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to define partner responsibilities.
• Including activities without measurable outcomes.
• Ignoring eligibility requirements.
• Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documents.

Tips for a Strong Application

Consider the following recommendations:

• Align every activity with the program objectives.
• Include practical and hands-on cybersecurity training.
• Demonstrate measurable impact on participants.
• Develop realistic timelines and budgets.
• Explain how project outcomes will continue beyond the grant period.
• Include clear monitoring and evaluation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, NGOs, think tanks, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions.

Can commercial organizations apply?

No. For-profit companies and commercial organizations are not eligible.

Who will participate in the program?

The program targets students and early-stage professionals aged 18 to 30 in Vietnam.

What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects focused on cybersecurity education, cyber scam awareness, digital literacy, cybersecurity innovation, workshops, training, and community engagement are encouraged.

Can organizations work with partners?

Yes. Organizations may collaborate with subcontractors, but only one eligible non-profit organization may serve as the prime recipient.

How much funding is available?

The maximum funding available for the selected project is $35,633.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program aims to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, reduce cyber scam risks, develop practical cybersecurity skills, encourage innovation, and improve digital resilience among young professionals in Vietnam.

Conclusion

The Cybersecurity Program launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City provides an important opportunity for eligible organizations to strengthen cybersecurity education and address the growing threat of cyber scams and cyber-enabled trafficking. By equipping students and early-stage professionals with practical digital skills and encouraging innovative solutions, the program supports safer online communities, enhances regional cybersecurity, and contributes to long-term digital resilience in Vietnam.