The Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition, administered by the U.S. Mission to Myanmar, 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. Priority is given to projects that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests, elevate U.S. leadership and credibility, and promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial engagement with Burma.

Overview

The JCM Small Grants Competition funds initiatives in Mandalay, Burma, 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 goals and may target youth and young adults, civil society organizations, commercial advancement entities, and educational and cultural institutions. The program aims to strengthen democratic governance, enhance youth employability, boost U.S.-Burma economic ties, promote American cultural leadership, and support sustainable, measurable outcomes.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $22,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 5
• Award Minimum: $1,000
• Award Maximum: $10,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required (encouraged)
• Category of Funding Activity: Education
• Funding Opportunity Number: 26-MMR-NOFO-003

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Miscellaneous (Other). 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 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 can be the prime recipient. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and a valid SAM.gov registration. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or SAM registration. Applicants may submit only one proposal per organization. The program will not support partisan political activity, charitable or development activities, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, commercial projects, or projects that duplicate existing efforts.

Priority Areas

Proposals must address one of the following priority areas:

• America First: Making America Safer – Programs that advance U.S. security and resilience by promoting democratic governance, rule of law, counter-trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness, and anti-corruption in Burma.
• America First: Making America Stronger – Programs that equip Burmese youth with skill-based and vocational training to strengthen U.S.-relevant economic competitiveness, promote understanding of U.S. education and culture, and build linkages with American institutions.
• America First: Making America More Prosperous – Projects that strengthen U.S.-Burma economic ties by supporting entrepreneurs, STEM education, vocational training, and trade capacity building that reduces reliance on adversarial actors.
• America First: American Excellence – Initiatives that showcase U.S. leadership, innovation, arts, and community service, including programs featuring U.S. experts on Indo-Pacific strategy, maritime security, or resilient supply chains.
• English Language Learning – Programs providing Business English and English for Entrepreneurship to support U.S.-linked trade, investment, and regional stability, using U.S. materials and case studies.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and related documents available on the opportunity page. Only one proposal per organization is permitted. All required registrations (UEI and SAM.gov) must be current at the time of application.

Deadline and Timeline

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

Contact Information

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