Vietnam Rise supports grassroots activists inside Vietnam ^{CEFR B1}

Restrictions on civic space in Vietnam have pushed many grassroots activists to act discreetly or underground. Vietnam Rise, founded by three members of the Vietnamese diaspora, aims to raise awareness and support activists inside Vietnam while countering low international attention to the countrys political limits.

The organisation publishes studies, runs fellowship and incubation programs, and selects participants in biannual intakes. The fellowship trains Vietnamese activists in leadership. The incubation offers seed grants and project management support. Fellows and incubation groups work on labor rights, educational access and LGBT issues. Vietnam Rise also organises in-person training and study tours so activists can meet regional peers.

Staff say state media sometimes spreads misinformation about their work. A closing legal space has led to charges including tax evasion, anti-state propaganda and "abusing democratic freedoms." Vietnam Rise also works regionally, joining the Terali helpdesk for cybersecurity and taking part in DRAPAC 2025. The group is organising the Social Movement Festival in November, with an offline Regional NGO Roundtable on engaging marginalised communities in Southeast Asia.