Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)

Background
The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, initiated in 1979 as a Congressional initiative following the Camp David accords, is implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The program aims to foster scientific cooperation, technology-led development, and capacity building between Israel and eligible countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The goal is to address common regional challenges and promote a comprehensive and lasting peace through locally-developed solutions. Eligible countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and the West Bank and Gaza. The program emphasizes research of regional importance that benefits developing populations in these areas.

Grant Details
The MERC Program funds peer-reviewed collaborative applied scientific research and technical exchanges between Israeli partners and eligible MENA partners. Funding opportunities include:
1. **Applied Research Grants**: Multi-year cooperative research projects focusing on development relevance to the MENA region. Projects should address regional problems benefiting from cross-border cooperation.
2. **Continuation Grants**: Extensions of existing or recently ended applied research grants aimed at supporting implementation or broader dissemination of project results.
3. **Travel and Workshop Grants**: Support for workshops and researcher exchanges that advance dialogue on regional scientific issues or develop new partnerships.

Proposals must demonstrate strong cooperation between Israeli institutions and MENA partners with a focus on actionable research that empowers communities.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must include at least one Israeli partner and one eligible MENA partner from academic, private sector, non-governmental or governmental institutions. Proposals involving affluent MENA countries must also include a developing country partner from the eligible list. Participation of partners from outside the MENA region is not a key feature but may be considered in exceptional cases with justification.

Period of Performance
The estimated length of projects varies by grant type: Applied Research Grants are typically 2 to 5 years; Continuation Grants are 1 to 3 years; Travel and Workshop Grants are expected to be completed within one year.

Grant Value
The estimated award ceiling for Applied Research Grants is $1,000,000; for Continuation Grants it is $500,000; and for Travel and Workshop Grants it is $100,000. There is no minimum award floor specified.

Place of Performance
The grants will be performed in Israel and eligible MENA countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and the West Bank and Gaza.