Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)
ID: 353928Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Assistance Coordination (DOS-NEA-AC)

Award Range

$0 - $500K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353928
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, aimed at fostering scientific collaboration between Israel and eligible countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Proposals must include at least one Israeli partner and one eligible MENA partner, focusing on research and technology development that benefits resource-limited populations in the region. The MERC Program, which has been operational since 1979, emphasizes enhancing research cooperation and capacity building to contribute to economic growth and regional stability. Interested applicants can seek funding through continuation grants or travel and workshop grants, with a funding ceiling of $500,000. Proposals are due by July 31, 2024, and further inquiries can be directed to the MERC Committee at merc@usaid.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    merc@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Appendix A - MERC SF-424 Instructions 2024.pdf
    Appendix B - MERC Budget Template 2024.xlsx
    Appendix.bin
    Appendix.pdf
    The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program requires prime institutions to complete the SF-424 form as part of their proposal for continuation funding or travel and workshop grants. Applicants for applied research grants can submit a pre-proposal without the SF-424 but must complete it if invited to submit a full proposal. Detailed instructions for completing the SF-424 are provided, including necessary fields such as applicant information, funding details, and project descriptions. Key sections outline requirements for the type of submission, applicant identifiers, funding request amounts, and the need for certification by an authorized representative. The document emphasizes compliance with federal guidelines and requests a hand-signed submission rather than a digital signature, showcasing the importance of accuracy and formal authorization in the grant application process. Overall, this document serves as a guideline to facilitate applicants in navigating the federal assistance application process efficiently, ensuring all necessary information is correctly provided for consideration in funding opportunities.
    FINAL_MERC NOFO Summer 2024.pdf
    FINAL_MERC.pdf
    The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program has announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at fostering scientific collaboration between Israel and eligible countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The funding opportunity, numbered NEAAC24MERC1001, opens on May 1, 2024, and proposals are due by July 31, 2024. The program, implemented by USAID, emphasizes partnerships in scientific research and technology development, with a focus on regional benefits for resource-limited populations. Proposals can seek funding through continuation grants for ongoing projects or travel/workshop grants for events promoting cooperation. The program has also introduced a special call for “Research into Action,” encouraging projects to extend research benefits and engage broader communities. Eligible participants include individuals and institutions from Israel and select MENA countries. The aims of the MERC Program encompass enhancing research collaboration, capacity building, and contributing to economic growth in the region while maintaining a commitment to equitable participation and gender integration in research activities. The process and requirements for proposal submission are rigorously structured to ensure the strategic alignment of projects with regional development goals.
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