The American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition supports projects that advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how proposed activities make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebrating American excellence. Administered by the U.S. Mission to Myanmar, this grant program funds initiatives that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests, elevate U.S. leadership and credibility, and promote reciprocal engagement with Burma.

Overview

The ACY Small Grants Competition seeks proposals that align with one or more of the following priority areas: Making America Safer, Making America Stronger, Making America More Prosperous, American Excellence, and English Language Learning. Projects must clearly advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The program funds activities that strengthen democratic governance, enhance youth skills and employability, bolster U.S.-Burma economic ties, and promote American cultural excellence and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $100,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 5
• Award Minimum: $5,000
• Award Maximum: $20,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required, but encouraged
• Funding Opportunity Number: 26-MMR-NOFO-002

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organizations
• Alumni of U.S. Government exchanges
• Private educational institutions
• Individuals
• Public international organizations

For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Organizations may subcontract with other entities, but only one non-profit, non-governmental entity may serve as the prime recipient of the award. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and a valid registration in SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants may submit only one proposal per organization.

Ineligible activities include: projects relating to partisan political activity; charitable or development activities including direct social services; construction projects; projects that support specific religious activities; fund-raising campaigns; lobbying for specific legislation or programs; scientific research or surveys; commercial projects; projects intended primarily for institutional growth or development; projects that duplicate existing projects; and illegal activities.

Priority Areas and Activities

Making America Safer: Programs that advance U.S. security and resilience by promoting American democratic governance and interests in Burma, including initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, counter trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness, and anti-corruption efforts.

Making America Stronger: Programs that equip Burmese youth and young adults with skill-based and vocational training that strengthens U.S.-relevant economic competitiveness, promotes accurate understanding of U.S. education and culture, and builds durable linkages with American academic, vocational, and cultural institutions.

Making America More Prosperous: Projects that advance U.S.-Burma economic ties by strengthening entrepreneurs and businesses aligned with U.S. commercial and strategic interests, including STEM education, vocational training, and trade capacity building that supports U.S. economic growth.

American Excellence: Projects that showcase U.S. leadership, innovation, arts, and community service, highlighting American achievements and values while promoting collaboration in technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts.

English Language Learning: Programs that provide Business English and English for Entrepreneurship essential to U.S.-linked trade, investment, and regional stability, using U.S. materials and case studies.

Target audiences include: youth and young adults in urban and rural Burma, civil society organizations in Yangon, individuals and entities involved in innovation and trade, and educational and cultural institutions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applicants should track application status and subscribe to updates via the Grants.gov platform. All proposals must clearly define the responsibilities of any sub-contracting entities. Proposals should incorporate robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate progress toward U.S. foreign policy goals.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: August 10, 2026
• Posted Date: July 15, 2026
• Archive Date: September 9, 2026
• Last Updated: July 23, 2026

Contact Information

Grantor: U.S. Mission to Myanmar
Email: RangoonPDGrants@state.gov
Phone: 951536509