American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity: America250

The American Spaces Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Mission in Vietnam, seeks to support interactive and engaging programming at American Spaces across Vietnam. This NOFO is aligned with the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote U.S. foreign policy and national security interests by fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Vietnam. American Spaces are publicly accessible venues operated by U.S. embassies and consulates in collaboration with local partners, serving as platforms to showcase American culture, values, and innovation. For the Fiscal Year 2025 funding cycle, this initiative is deeply tied to the upcoming commemoration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. The purpose of this grant opportunity is to fund programs that highlight the America250 theme, which includes promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America. Applicants are expected to propose activities that will be implemented across a minimum of two American Spaces in Vietnam, including U.S. government-run centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as partner spaces at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Thai Nguyen University, and An Giang University. Projects must include U.S. elements, such as involvement of American experts or institutions, and be tailored to Vietnamese audiences. Programs may span areas such as American history and diplomacy, cultural celebrations, innovation, arts, literature, and science, and should run for at least three months, with longer durations permitted depending on the scope. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, registered social enterprises, and governmental institutions from either the U.S. or Vietnam. Individuals and for-profit/commercial entities are not eligible. Cost sharing is not required. All applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Exemptions to registration requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the grant administrators at least two weeks before the application deadline. Submissions must include completed federal assistance forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and, where applicable, SF-424B), a detailed 10-page proposal covering objectives, project methods, personnel, evaluation plans, and sustainability strategies, as well as a budget narrative and supporting documents such as bios, letters of support, and proof of SAM registration. Applications are due by August 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT+7 and should be submitted via email to achanoi@state.gov or through MyGrants. Proposals will be evaluated by two review panels based on criteria including the quality and feasibility of the program idea, creativity and sustainability, organizational capacity, ability to meet objectives, budget justification, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Award notices will be sent around the week of September 22, 2025. Grantees will be reimbursed using the SF-270 form and must comply with extensive federal guidelines, including reporting on financial and programmatic performance as outlined in their award documents. Recipients are reminded that the U.S. government is not obligated to provide continued funding beyond the initial award period.

Proposals must be in English, use SMART objectives, and specify audiences. Avoid generic terms like "general public."