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.
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