U.S. Mission to Vietnam: Public Diplomacy Section

Goals

• Proposal submissions under this NOFO should advance at least one of the following goals:
  • Enhance understanding of emerging technologies and related digital policies, with a specific focus on leveraging case studies and simulations to explore best practices for application of emerging technologies and related regulation, incorporating perspectives from around the region and the world as well as multilateral institutions. Proposals should also consider economic and trade ramifications and relevant international laws. This includes initiatives to develop technical and soft skills and leadership-building of emerging leaders and  entrepreneurs through participatory and interactive workshops on emerging technologies, digital policy, intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, business  practices, digital trade, and fintech.
  • Expand capacity of teachers and higher education officials to implement English as a second language of instruction across all areas of instruction, particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The U.S. Mission is prioritizing support for the Vietnam government’s decision to make English the second language for the medium of instruction across all areas. Teacher training, curriculum development, and implementation design will be critical to the success of such an initiative.
  • Foster the development of U.S. alumni networks across Vietnam including around geographic, thematic, and professional development areas. There are almost 8000 alumni of U.S. government programs across Vietnam and tens of thousands of graduates of U.S. higher education institutions. A core priority for the U.S. Mission is to support alumni engagement in ways that enable professional and personal development of alumni and activities that support shared bilateral goals.
  • Strengthen People-to-People Ties in Celebration of the 30th Anniversary since the normalization of bilateral relations: On July 11, 2025, the United States and Vietnam will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations. This anniversary will be an important opportunity to honor their past and the visionary leadership on both sides that enabled them to address the legacy of war and rebuild mutual trust and understanding. January 2025 will mark the start of a yearlong anniversary celebration that will include events and activities hosted by partners in Vietnam and the United States. This includes proposals to connect U.S. and Vietnamese institutions and organizations to promote dialogue, awareness, and interest in the future trajectory of the bilateral relationship on topics that may range from workforce development, education, trade, cultural exchange, environmental protection, regional security, health, American and Vietnamese studies, and other shared priorities.
• Potential applicants should propose detailed specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant (SMART) project objectives for their proposed programs. Potential applicants should develop outcome-based objectives that incorporate measurable outcome indicators and propose methods to measure them.
• All proposals must engage Vietnamese audiences and include a U.S. element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. An organization can submit a single proposal to cover multiple programs on different thematic priorities at multiple locations.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $60,000, pending funding availability.
• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $7,500 to a maximum of $30,000.
• Length of performance period: Proposed program should ideally be planned  for a period of 12 months but can be longer  depending on the nature of the program.

Participants and Audiences

• Programs may include the following participants and audiences. Successful proposals will demonstrate an understanding of audience needs to achieve a specific outcome. PDS Vietnam encourages efforts to ensure gender parity and socio-economic inclusion across all its activities. Applicants should be as specific as possible in their proposals about their program’s primary audience. The term “general public” is not an adequate description of the targeted audience.
  • Academic institutions;
  • Business leaders and entrepreneurs;
  • Community leaders;
  • Cultural institutions;
  • Journalists, media organizations;
  • Social and new media users;
  • Social Enterprises;
  • Emerging leaders;
  • Local Government Offices and Ministries;
  • Young professionals;
  • Students and youth.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil  society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience;
  • Not-for-profit or governmental educational institutions;
  • Registered social enterprises; or
  • Governmental institutions.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of  the organization; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.