American Hangout | SVM700 21 PAS 003

American Hangout Grant Opportunity (U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City) - FAQs

1) What is the American Hangout grant opportunity?

The American Hangout grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State public diplomacy funding program offered through the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Public Affairs Section). It supports establishing an "American Hangout" inside a partnered Vietnamese university as an on-campus U.S.-focused hub for learning, exchange, and outreach.

2) What is the main purpose of creating an American Hangout?

The purpose is to strengthen connections between the U.S. Consulate and Vietnamese higher education institutions while providing students, faculty, and nearby community groups with a dedicated space and programming that increases understanding of the United States, including education opportunities and cultural engagement.

3) What does an "American Hangout" mean in practice?

An American Hangout is envisioned as a physical, on-campus space within a Vietnamese university that is equipped for events, presentations, and access to curated U.S.-related resources. It is intended to function as an active hub rather than a passive reading room.

4) Where will the American Hangout be located?

The American Hangout is intended to be opened inside a partnered Vietnamese university (an on-campus space). The opportunity is administered through the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, indicating a regional and institutional partnership focus connected to that mission.

5) What kinds of equipment or materials are typically included in the space?

Typical items described include a television or display screen for events and presentations, curated collections of books about the United States, English teaching and learning materials, magazines, and informational resources related to U.S. scholarships and studying in the United States.

6) Is the American Hangout supposed to be just a library or reading room?

No. The announcement emphasizes that the space is not simply a reading room or resource library. Programming is a core element, and the Hangout is intended to be an active platform for events, workshops, and learning experiences.

7) What types of programming are expected?

American Hangouts are expected to host both onsite and virtual activities. The opportunity highlights programming themes such as English language learning, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), professional skills development, information about studying in the U.S., and activities introducing U.S. culture and values.

8) Who delivers or organizes the programming?

Programming is expected to be delivered in partnership between the Vietnamese host university and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Public Affairs Section). The Hangout is framed as an ongoing educational and public diplomacy collaboration.

9) Who are the intended audiences for the American Hangout?

The space and activities are intended to serve university students and faculty, as well as surrounding community groups in the region. Proposals are expected to align with the Public Affairs Section goals, priority objectives, target audiences, and geographic focus.

10) What is the funding type: grant or contract?

This opportunity is a grant, not a contract. It is categorized as an earmark opportunity.

11) What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The posted award ceiling is $15,000 per award.

12) How many awards are expected to be made?

The announcement states an expectation of making two awards.

13) What is the CFDA number associated with this grant?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.441.

14) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is SVM700 21 PAS 003.

15) Which U.S. government entity issues this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Public Affairs Section).

16) When was the opportunity originally posted?

The original posting date was January 12, 2021.

17) What was the original application deadline?

The original application deadline was April 1, 2021.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly described as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility section of the announcement. This suggests eligibility may include certain organizations or institutions that meet program requirements, rather than being limited to a single applicant category.

19) What makes a proposal competitive according to the announcement?

The announcement emphasizes alignment with the Public Affairs Section goals, priority objectives, target audiences, and geographic focus. Strong proposals would clearly connect the proposed space, equipment, and programming plan to measurable public diplomacy and educational outcomes.

20) What outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

Based on the description, the program aims to create a visible, ongoing educational partnership between the U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City and a Vietnamese university, and to promote English learning, academic and professional development, and deeper familiarity with the United States through a dedicated space and regular programming.