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.
    Similar Opportunities
    Community Infrastructure Development Program
    Active
    West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank
    The USAID-West Bank is offering a federal grant opportunity through the Community Infrastructure Development Program, aimed at enhancing public infrastructure in Palestine. This program seeks to address critical infrastructure deficiencies by providing funding for the construction and renovation of schools, health facilities, roads, and recreational centers, particularly in marginalized communities. The initiative is vital for improving living standards and supporting economic growth in the region, with an estimated total funding of $100 million and a minimum award of $15 million. Interested applicants, including U.S. NGOs and private organizations, should prepare to submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Request for Applications, with further details available from Sandy Sakran at ssakran@usaid.gov.
    American Corners in Jordan
    Active
    Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
    The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State is inviting applications for a cooperative agreement titled "American Corners in Jordan." This initiative aims to fund a year-long series of cultural activities, job skills training, and educational opportunities for Jordanian youth, specifically at established "American Corners" in Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid, as well as in various pop-up locations throughout Jordan. The program is designed to enhance cultural exchange and provide essential skills, with a total estimated funding of $45,000, offering awards ranging from $30,000 to $45,000. Interested applicants, including registered non-profit organizations and educational institutions, must submit their proposals by September 9, 2024, and can reach out to AmmanGrants@state.gov for further information.
    Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Program in the Marrakech-Safi Region (ISED-MS)
    Active
    Morocco USAID-Rabat
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is forecasting a funding opportunity for the "Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Program in the Marrakech-Safi Region" (ISED-MS), aimed at enhancing socio-economic inclusion in marginalized communities. This initiative seeks to improve participatory governance and create business and livelihood opportunities, addressing significant challenges such as youth unemployment, gender disparities, and inadequate access to essential services. The program is designed to strengthen local governance structures and foster economic growth through collaborative efforts among local stakeholders, with an anticipated budget of $16-18 million over a five-year period (2021-2026). Interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft program description by September 11, 2020, to Salya Yacoubi at syacoubi@usaid.gov, as this input will help refine the program's objectives and ensure alignment with local needs.
    Civic Participation Program
    Active
    West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to the West Bank and Gaza is seeking applications for the "Civic Participation Program," aimed at strengthening civil society in the region. This initiative invites qualified U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), and U.S. for-profit firms (with the condition of forgoing profit) to implement a program that enhances civic engagement and democratic dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and its citizens. The program, with a total funding amount of approximately $18 million over three years, focuses on increasing the institutional capacity of civil society organizations, public awareness of civic participation, and fostering strategic partnerships among stakeholders. Interested applicants can reach out to Nevine Zakariya at nzakariya@usaid.gov for further information, with the closing date for submissions to be announced in the full Request for Applications (RFA) announcement.
    ITR/R_EXPLORE_APS
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued the ITR/REXPLOREAPS, a cooperative agreement opportunity aimed at fostering collaborations in research and higher education to address sustainable development challenges. This initiative invites unrestricted applicants to submit Concept Notes in response to future Addenda, emphasizing partnerships, innovation, and the utilization of research to tackle pressing global issues. The program is open from March 5, 2024, to March 4, 2029, with no specified funding ceiling or floor, and interested parties can contact Julia S. Banks at jbanks@usaid.gov for further information. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline by March 21, 2024, and final application submissions by April 8, 2024.
    NPI Annual Program Statement (New Partnerships Initiative (NPI)/Conflict Prevention and Recovery Program (CPRP) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance)
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering a grant opportunity through the New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) and the Conflict Prevention and Recovery Program (CPRP) to engage new, nontraditional, and local partners in enhancing development efforts in conflict-affected areas. The initiative aims to promote local leadership, improve equity and accountability, and foster innovative partnership approaches that support locally led development. With an award ceiling of $45 million and no cost-sharing requirement, interested applicants must submit Concept Papers by April 10, 2025, and can reach out to Madeleine Rapp at marapp@usaid.gov for further information.
    Morocco Climate Program
    Active
    Morocco USAID-Rabat
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Morocco is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) for the Morocco Climate Program, aimed at enhancing climate change adaptation and resilience in the region. This initiative focuses on gathering insights from local organizations regarding the challenges posed by climate change, such as water scarcity and socio-economic instability, while emphasizing the importance of partnerships with civil society, NGOs, and the private sector. The anticipated budget for this program ranges from $10 million to $24.99 million, with responses due by April 12, 2023, at 4:00 PM Rabat time. Interested parties can submit their feedback via email to Salya Yacoubi at syacoubi@usaid.gov, and are encouraged to review the detailed submission instructions provided in the RFI document.
    Gaza Household WASH Activity (GHW)
    Active
    West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank
    The West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank is offering a funding opportunity for the Gaza Household WASH Activity (GHW), aimed at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions in vulnerable communities in Gaza. The initiative seeks to enhance access to safe domestic water and improved sanitation through the establishment, extension, or rehabilitation of water distribution networks and sanitation systems, while also increasing emergency WASH preparedness to mitigate flooding risks. This cooperative agreement has a funding ceiling of $9 million and is open to qualified U.S. and non-U.S. NGOs, private voluntary organizations, and for-profit firms. Interested applicants can contact Miada Younis at myounis@usaid.gov for further information, with the closing date to be provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
    Tunisia Resilience and Community Empowerment (TRACE)
    Active
    Middle East Regional Platform USAID-MERP
    The Middle East Regional Platform of USAID (USAID-MERP) is announcing a funding opportunity for the "Tunisia Resilience and Community Empowerment" (TRACE) initiative. This program aims to solicit applications for a five-year cooperative agreement focused on community development in Tunisia, with an anticipated funding ceiling of up to $49.7 million, subject to the availability of funds. The TRACE initiative is crucial for enhancing resilience and empowering communities in Tunisia, reflecting USAID's commitment to fostering sustainable development in the region. Interested applicants can reach out to Seilkhan Yeleussizov at syeleussizov@usaid.gov for further information, noting that this is a pre-solicitation notice and no applications are currently being requested.
    Notice of Intent to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Palestinians in FY 2025
    Active
    Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration
    The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) plans to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) programs benefiting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank for fiscal year 2025. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and overseas-based nonprofits with appropriate tax status, as well as international organizations, provided they demonstrate a current operational presence in the targeted regions. This funding is crucial for addressing humanitarian needs in various sectors, including health, education, and protection, with anticipated awards ranging from $500,000 to $3 million for up to five organizations. Interested parties should prepare for the full proposal submission expected in October 2024 and can reach out to the PRM NGO Coordinator at PRMNGOCoordinator@state.gov for further inquiries.