YSEALI Regional Workshop: Countering Online Disinformation and Hate Speech | 23 MMR NOFO 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 MMR NOFO 003

The YSEALI Regional Workshop: Countering Online Disinformation and Hate Speech is a U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Myanmar, Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Rangoon) grant opportunity to fund one organization to design and deliver a regional program focused on disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech in Southeast Asia. The opportunity recognizes that information manipulation by state and non-state actors is increasingly shaping public opinion across the region, widening social divisions, aggravating ethnic tensions, and in some cases contributing to fear, hatred, and violence. It also notes that these risks are harder to address in environments where freedom of expression is constrained and media markets are dominated by monopolies, leaving civil society groups and independent media facing serious safety and security challenges when they attempt to counter harmful narratives, especially when those narratives align with government interests. Despite these pressures, the program emphasizes that expanding internet and technology access is giving journalists, advocates, and organizations new ways to reach audiences and build resilience against manipulation.

At its core, the grant funds a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) regional workshop that convenes young leaders and practitioners who are working on, or are positioned to influence, the information environment. The target participants include young civil society activists, communicators, educators, journalists, social media representatives, and policymakers who want to explore practical and collaborative approaches to reducing the spread and impact of disinformation and hate speech online. A notable feature of the workshop is its explicit focus on Myanmar: the program intends to pay special attention to how the situation in Myanmar is portrayed and discussed within ASEAN and the broader regional information space, reflecting concerns about cross-border narratives, propaganda, and regional perceptions.

The main in-person component is a three-day workshop planned to take place in Thailand in May 2024, complemented by three virtual training sessions. The programming is framed around the idea that social media can be both a force for civic participation and access to information, and a tool for polarization and harm. On one side, social platforms can support peaceful civic engagement, broaden public access to information, and help people organize nonviolent movements. On the other side, the same platforms can be used to micro-target and manipulate audiences, amplify falsehoods, spread propaganda, normalize intolerance, and inflame conflict. The workshop is positioned as a response to these dual realities, with an emphasis on building skills, strategies, and networks that promote social cohesion and safeguard access to credible information. It also links to Sustainable Development Goal 16.10, which focuses on public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

The opportunity sits within the broader YSEALI framework, the U.S. government initiative designed to strengthen leadership and regional cooperation among emerging Southeast Asian leaders. YSEALI aims to build cross-border networks of young leaders (ages 18 to 35) who are citizens and residents of ASEAN member states (Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) as well as Timor-Leste. While YSEALI overall is organized around four themes (civic engagement, economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship, education, and environmental issues), this particular regional workshop focuses on the civic and societal implications of the digital information ecosystem and the leadership role young professionals can play in countering online harms.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. government expects to be substantially involved in shaping or guiding the project as it is carried out. The funding opportunity number is 23 MMR NOFO 003, with CFDA/assistance listing 19.040. The geographic priority region spans Southeast Asia broadly: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. The opportunity anticipated a single award with a maximum budget (award ceiling) of $250,000. The notice was created May 25, 2023, with an original application closing date of August 1, 2023, and it also notes that any final award is contingent on the availability of funds.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Myanmar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "YSEALI Regional Workshop: Countering Online Disinformation and Hate Speech" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 25, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 01, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 23 MMR NOFO 003

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