Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)
ID: 356735Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Assistance Coordination (DOS-NEA-AC)

Award Range

$0 - $1M

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/356735
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering funding through the Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program to promote scientific cooperation and technology-led development between Israel and eligible Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) partners. The program invites proposals for applied research grants, continuation grants, and travel/workshop grants, focusing on projects that address regional development issues and enhance scientific exchange, particularly in areas such as food security. With a total funding ceiling of $1 million and an expected five awards, proposals are due by January 15, 2025, and must comply with specific application guidelines, including the submission of Form SF-424 for certain grant types. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the MERC Committee at merc@usaid.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    merc@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Appendix.bin
    Appendix.pdf
    The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program outlines the application process for federal assistance, specifically requiring the submission of Form SF-424 for proposals seeking continuation funding and travel or workshop grants. Applicants for applied research grants do not need to submit this form initially but will be required to do so if invited to submit a full proposal. The document provides detailed instructions for completing the SF-424, including eligibility criteria, applicant information, and specific entries for federal identifiers and budgetary information. Key sections of the form include applicant identification, project details, estimated funding requests, and certifications. It also emphasizes that applications must be signed physically rather than digitally by an authorized representative. This document is crucial for guiding applicants in structuring their proposals correctly in alignment with federal requirements and ensuring compliance with federal grant application standards.
    FINAL.pdf
    The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, managed by USAID, is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at fostering research and development cooperation between Israel and eligible Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) partners. The program invites proposals for applied research, continuation grants, and travel/workshop grants, with an emphasis on locally-developed solutions to regional challenges. The overarching goal is to enhance scientific exchange and capacity building that contributes to a sustainable peace in the region. Eligible applicants must include at least one Israeli and one MENA institution, focusing on projects that address regional development issues. Specialized calls for proposals targeting food security are also included, encouraging innovative solutions to agricultural challenges prevalent in MENA. Proposals are due by January 15, 2025, and must adhere to specific formats for pre-proposals or full proposals as detailed in the document, emphasizing collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The MERC Program signifies a long-standing U.S. commitment to fostering joint scientific advancements and collaboration in the MENA region, aligning with development priorities of enhancing economic growth and improving quality of life.
    Similar Opportunities
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Palestinian Community Infrastructure Development
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications for a Cooperative Agreement under the Palestinian Community Infrastructure Development Program, aimed at enhancing access to essential community infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza. The program focuses on upgrading water and sanitation networks, health facilities, and educational institutions, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to address urgent infrastructure needs and improve basic services. This initiative is critical for fostering economic opportunities and enhancing public health in the region. Interested applicants, particularly U.S. nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, should prepare to submit proposals that include a suggested cost share of 15% of the total program amount, with a closing date for applications to be announced in the full announcement. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Claudia Koziol at USAID via email at WBG-OCM-packages@usaid.gov or by phone at 972-3-519-8507.
    Resilience of Information Space, Responsible Technology Practices, Responsible Cyberspace and Digital Ecosystems, and Points of Entry Security
    Active
    Assistance Coordination
    The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination, is inviting organizations to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for a grant opportunity focused on enhancing the resilience of information space, responsible technology practices, and security at points of entry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program aims to strengthen cybersecurity and promote responsible digital ecosystems, aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, such as non-profits, for-profits, educational institutions, and community organizations, with funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $1,500,000. Interested parties must submit their SOIs by October 31, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Nea-grants@state.gov.
    Microbicides Research, Development, and Introduction
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Microbicides Research, Development, and Introduction" aimed at advancing research and innovative activities related to microbicides for HIV prevention. This initiative seeks to support clinical trials and other activities that contribute to the Global Health Initiative's principles, particularly focusing on a woman- and girl-centered approach and strengthening health systems. The funding amounts range from $100,000 to $2,250,000, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements, and interested applicants can contact Kathleen Bumpass at kbumpass@usaid.gov for further information. The closing date for applications is to be determined.
    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.
    Private Sector Collaboration Pathway (PSCP) Jordan Addendum
    Active
    Jordan USAID-Amman
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting proposals for the Private Sector Collaboration Pathway (PSCP) Jordan Addendum, aimed at fostering partnerships with local and international private sector firms to address critical development challenges in Jordan. The initiative seeks to develop innovative solutions that align with Jordan's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), focusing on enhancing economic opportunities, improving water security, and promoting the participation of women and youth. With a funding range between $1.5 million and $10 million, interested small businesses must submit their partnership concepts by April 26, 2025, and can reach out to Alla'a J. Sawaked at asawaked@usaid.gov for further inquiries.
    FY2024 Development Innovation Ventures_APS
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications for the FY2024 Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) Annual Program Statement (APS), aimed at funding innovative solutions to international development challenges. This program supports various stages of project development, including pilot testing, rigorous testing and expansion, and scaling proven approaches, with a focus on evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness. The funding amounts range from $25,000 to $15 million, with applications accepted year-round, and compliance with System for Award Management (SAM) requirements is necessary prior to funding award. Interested applicants can reach out to Julia S. Banks at jbanks@usaid.gov for further information, with the application deadline set for November 1, 2024.
    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.