U.S. Mission Vietnam PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

The U.S. Mission Vietnam Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program.  This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Please note that the agreement will be signed under a federal grant assistance form. The funding is not eligible for a service agreement.

Purpose of Grants: PAS invites proposals to implement impactful programs for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Vietnam by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation on cultural exchange and creative economies, digital policy, STEM education and workforce development, environmental issues, clean energy, strengthening rule of law, and health security in Vietnam to forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging leaders in Vietnam. Proposals that advance cultural collaboration particularly to advance cultural economy in Vietnam will also be considered. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below) or include a 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.

Program Themes:  Proposals will be accepted in the following areas:

•    Cultural Exchange and Creative Economy: In line with Vietnam’s “National Strategy for the Development of Cultural Industries Vision 2030,” as well as the U.S. Department of State’s own goals of fostering mutual understanding, proposals to support cultural exchange and collaboration across the arts, as well as proposals to support Vietnam’s creative economy goals.  This includes proposals to develop technical and soft skills in the arts and creative economies, including skills building among underserved communities, as well as promotion of digital arts, gaming, digital trade and marketing of artistic products, and collaboration among Vietnamese and U.S. artists.

•    Digital Policy and Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and Workforce Development: Projects to expand understanding of emerging technologies and digital policy challenges such as cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, artificial intelligence, fintech, and quantum computing. This includes initiatives to develop technical and soft skills and leadership-building of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through participatory and interactive workshops on emerging technology in STEM fields, digital policy, cybersecurity, business practices, digital trade, and related business practices for SMEs.

•    Environmental Issues and Energy Transition: Projects that improve environmental protection and preservation; support climate change adaptation, conservation, and pollution reduction; foster the adoption of clean and renewable energies, improved water management and climate-smart agriculture; and address transboundary water challenges.

•    Strengthen Good Governance and Rule of Law: Projects that focus on good governance, human rights, combatting human trafficking, media literacy, gender-based violence, LGBTQI+ issues, migrant issues, and labor rights. Competitive proposals may target youth and underserved communities.

Audiences
Programs may include the following participants and audiences:
•    Academic institutions;
•    Business leaders and entrepreneurs;
•    Community leaders;
•    Cultural institutions;
•    Journalists, media organizations;
•    Social and new media users;
•    American and Vietnamese thought leaders;
•    Local Government Offices and Ministries;
•    Young professionals;
•    Students and youth

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis. The intermediate deadline on June 16, 2024, is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024.

Length of performance period:  Generally up to 12 months, but no more than 24 months from the proposed project start date.

Anticipated program start date: After September 30, 2024.