Notice of Funding Opportunity: Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay Small Grants Competition

Deadline: 15-Apr-25

The U.S. Embassy in Burma is seeking applications for its Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay Small Grants Competition.

The U.S. Embassy Yangon of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit an application and proposal to carry out a program (or programs) to strengthen the cultural ties and understanding between the U.S. and Myanmar through programs or projects that highlight shared values, promote bilateral cooperation and exchange.

Priority Areas

• Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas:
  • Education – Programs that provide skill-based and vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults in support of economic empowerment, special priority will be given to proposals that are aimed towards disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities. Programs that promote understating of U.S education and culture or that help prepare for study in the United States; the building of linkages between American and Myanmar private academic & cultural institutions; and training opportunities for Myanmar students or faculty and artists. Programs that enhance STEM education and skills among target audiences, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and foreign institutions are essential. The target audience includes students aged 16 to 30 with an interest in STEM, educators, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
  • Entrepreneurship – Projects that provide training for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially programs that are tailored toward disadvantaged or marginalized, or rural communities. Programs that enhance STEM education and skills among target audiences, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and foreign institutions are essential. The target audience includes students aged 16 to 30 with an interest in STEM, educators, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
  • Media Literacy, Independent Media & Press Freedom – Projects that promotes digital & media literacy, support training for independent & citizen journalism, and counter disinformation.
  • English Language Learning – Projects that teach English skills and culture to Myanmar youth and young professionals.  Programs for Business English or English for Entrepreneurs.
  • Myanmar Bilateral Relationship – Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Myanmar audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Myanmar people; and projects that build people-to-people ties.
  • Supporting Inclusive & Diverse Society – Programs that seeks to build inclusive society, promote a deepened understanding of diversity and inclusion, and encourage tolerance and peace through socio-economic development, dialogue, skills development, and economic empowerment.

Funding Information

• Total Amount Available: $22,000; subject to confirmation of availability of funds.
• Maximum for Each Award: $10,000.
• Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from both U.S and foreign organizations of the following types:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Alumni of USG Exchanges
  • Educational institutions
  • Individuals

Evaluation Criteria

• Each application and proposals will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below:
  • Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Rangoon’s priority areas . Applicant has also clearly identified the American component to be included in the program.
  • Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and demonstrated ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
  • Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
  • Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, specific, and outcomes measurable. The program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
  • Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
  • Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it can measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.
  • Media outreach plan: Applicant describes a clear plan for how the program will be shared with secondary audiences through traditional and/or social media, if safe to do so. Branding waivers will be granted if safety conditions warrant.
  • Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Application Requirements

• Content of Application must include the following documents in English:
  • A brief project description summarizing goals, objectives outcomes, performance indicators, beneficiaries, and proposed timeline.
  • A clear statement of the applicant’s organizational capacity to carry out the proposed activity and manage U.S. Government funds.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:
    • The anticipated total budget amount (in U.S. dollars)
    • A list of key personnel on the project and brief CVs

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Burma.