2024 Local Grants NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

Office of Assistance Coordination Assistance Listings Number: 19.500

MEPI Local Grants 2024

Opportunity Number: DFOP0014385

Key Information:

Announcement Type: New Date Opened: May 7, 2024

Deadline for Questions: May 21, 2024

Application Deadline: June 18, 2024

Expected Date of Notification: October 1, 2024 Federal Agency Contact: NEA-Grants@state.gov

Funding Opportunity Synopsis

Advancing stability and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is critical to the achievement of the United States’ foreign policy. There are many challenges, however, which hinder efforts to improve transparent governance, provide inclusive economic opportunities, and encourage civic engagement. Two thirds of the population feel that economic hardship and corruption plague their countries, with trust in government decreasing since 2015.

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Local Grants Program’s mission is to sustain the United States’ commitment to strengthen direct partnerships with local actors to promote prosperity and participatory governance. Its objectives are to support civil society organizations in (1) developing, promoting, and implementing locally-designed solutions to self-identified environmental, economic, or social problems through civic engagement or economic participation; (2) fostering inclusive economic growth that reaches marginalized communities, youth, and women; (3) advancing participatory governance through promoting citizens’ engagement and decision-makers’ willingness to work with citizen groups and civil society organizations (CSOs); (4) improving civil society’s representation of the needs of citizens through collective action on the local level; (5) working towards gender parity in economics and/or politics; (6) increasing youth engagement in meaningful economic and civic activities;

and (7) fostering innovative approaches to solving social, economic, or political issues.

All applications must be submitted in English. Complete information on how applicants can submit proposals for this opportunity can be found in Section VI below.

Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section VII while drafting all materials.

Eligible Countries and Territories

In this announcement, we seek to support projects in Algeria, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and West Bank and Gaza. Please note: Applications that focus on activities in countries and territories other than those listed will NOT be considered.

Background Information about NEA/AC

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) offers Federal assistance to groups and individuals striving to bring about positive change in the Middle East-North Africa region. NEA/AC works in 19 countries and territories, partnering with governments, CSOs, community leaders, youth and women activists and private sector groups to advance their efforts. Competitively selected projects aim to foster participatory governance, economic reform, and educational advancement in response to local interest and needs. NEA/AC is committed to advancing equity and support for minority and marginalized populations. All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible to bring perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

The mission of MEPI is to foster meaningful and effective partnerships between citizens, civil society, the private sector, and governments to resolve local challenges and promote shared interests in the areas of participatory governance and economic opportunity and reform. Focusing on promoting stability and prosperity in the region, MEPI supports partnerships through projects that are responsive to emerging opportunities by being field-driven, applying evidence-based decision-making, and designing results-oriented projects. For more information and additional resources about the MEPI Program visit: https://mepi.state.gov/.

Table of Contents

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

C. PROJECT DESIGN

D. GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION INTEGRATION

E. DEFINITIONS

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

AWARD INFORMATION

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A. AWARDS TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS OR FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

B. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

C. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL FUNDING REGULATIONS AND DOS TERMS AND CONDITIONS

APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

C. TRAVEL NOTIFICATIONS

D. APPLICANT VETTING AS A CONDITION OF AWARD

E. BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES

F. UEI NUMBER REQUIREMENT FOR SUB AWARDEES

G. SUB AWARDEE REPORTING REQUIREMENT

AGENCY CONTACTS

DISCLAIMER

APPENDICES (Posted with NOFO) APPENDIX 1 — Budget Sample Template and Budget Narrative Guidance APPENDIX 2 — Logic Model Template APPENDIX 3 — Application Guidance

APPENDIX 4 — Project Narrative Application APPENDIX 5 — Quick Start Guide for Grant Registrations APPENDIX 6 — Creating and Using Logic Models

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The MEPI Local Grants Program seeks projects that build links between and among citizens, civil society, government, and the private sector, and are responsive to emerging opportunities at the local level in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program supports projects that align with U.S. foreign policy goals and promote U.S. interests in the region, enhancing stability and increasing prosperity across MENA.

These grants are designed to support two priority areas of the MEPI Strategic Framework:

• Participatory Governance: Enable citizens and civil society to effectively engage with government officials to increase responsiveness to citizen needs. Enhance citizens’ ability to actively participate in their governments and develop a more informed citizenry. Enable government officials’ engagement with, and responsiveness to, their citizens to resolve issues of shared concern.

• Economic Reform: Enable citizens, policy makers, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector with the skills and resources to provide economic opportunity, foster economic growth, and promote improved business enabling environments.

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

The MENA region is dynamic with various political, economic, and social challenges on the national and local levels. Arab Barometer’s most recent wave of polling showed that nearly three-quarters of the region’s population identifies worsening economic conditions as the single most important challenge facing their countries. Other major concerns include financial and administrative corruption, disenfranchised citizens and marginalized communities, large public sectors, limited opportunities for innovation, high unemployment rates, low workforce retention rates, and a mismatch between the skills needed by the private sector and the skills available in the labor market, especially among youth and women.

An equal percentage of the population – approximately three quarters – expressed deteriorating trust in government institutions and elected officials, and an increasing number feels that the credibility of civil society is diminishing.

Gender inequalities persist despite recent gains in women’s political participation and countering gender-based violence laws. While many women have surpassed men in their educational attainment around the region, their participation in the labor force generally remains two to four times lower than men per the World Bank, and their participation in political processes is among the lowest in the world.

While enduring, these challenges were exacerbated during the COVID-19 epidemic, impacting economies and vulnerable populations. Additionally, as the impacts of climate change continue to increase globally, so does the importance of climate adaptation for at-risk populations and economies.

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

A key objective of the Local Grants Program is developing the capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) to effectively and efficiently manage U.S. federal assistance. Applications to this NOFO should address and clearly demonstrate how project-specific objectives and activities contribute to the program objectives outlined below. Working primarily on the local level, and using an evidence-based approach, at least one of the following objectives MUST be achieved:

1. Develop and promote locally designed solutions to environmental, economic, or social problems.

2. Foster inclusive economic growth that reaches marginalized communities, youth, and women.

3. Encourage citizens’ engagement in participatory governance and decision-makers’ willingness to work with citizen groups and civil society organizations.

4. Increase civil society’s ability to represent the needs of citizens through collective action on the local level.

5. Work towards gender parity in politics and/or economics.

6. Increase youth engagement in meaningful economic and civic activities.

7. Foster innovative approaches and solutions.

C. PROJECT DESIGN

Competitive applications will include clear, detailed project strategies that illustrate the logic behind each project’s design. All proposed project activities must clearly demonstrate how they will produce impact.

In addition to the overarching MEPI objectives and requirements identified above, projects must meet country/territory-specific project priority areas as outlined below:

Algeria:

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement, Grant, or Fixed Amount Award

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Award Floor $100,000 Estimated Length of Project Period 12-18 months

Problem Statement: Economic diversification remains a focus of the Algerian government, though reform has been slow, with preference given to public employment at the expense of private sector job growth that could reduce the high level of youth unemployment and increase economic stability and diversity. Developing non-hydrocarbon sectors such as agriculture, health, construction, renewable energy, telecommunications, tourism, and transportation, as well as improving youth and female economic empowerment will be essential to advancing inclusive growth. Change will require a more transparent, less bureaucratic, and less arbitrary regulatory environment that is open to innovation and investment.

Algeria fell from 97th in 2006 to 144th in 2023 on the Global Gender Gap Index, reflecting growing gender inequality in the country, and is one of three countries with the highest growth of inequality in that year. The World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law Index also scored Algeria 57.5 out of 100 in 2022; seven points lower than Tunisia, and 18 points lower than Morocco. Women have significantly lower rates of participation in the labor force and much higher levels of unemployment. The underrepresentation of women in the formal economy undercuts innovation, diversification, and maximization of resources in Algeria, in addition to limiting the social power of half of Algerian society.

Priorities: Post supports economic diversification, open markets, and growth in the Algerian private sector providing more employment opportunities for Algerians leading to greater economic stability. Women have significantly lower rates of participation in the labor force, undercutting innovation, diversification, and maximization of resources in Algeria. Economic diversification remains a focus of the Algerian government, and developing non-hydrocarbon sectors while improving youth and women economic empowerment will be essential to maintaining shared prosperity. To achieve these objectives, Post seeks projects that:

1. Increase the human and institutional capacities of Algeria’s economic and business sectors and strengthen the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

2. Engage employers, labor officials, and women’s organizations to increase women’s access and outcomes in the job sector and increase opportunities and support for women entrepreneurs.

Geographic/Thematic Focus:

• Priority will be given to proposals that target regions from southern Algeria and other regions with limited access to economic opportunities.

• Priority will be given to proposals that target the participation of women.

• Priority will be given to proposals that promote climate-smart, sustainable economic practices and growth.

Specific eligibility requirements: N/A

Bahrain:

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement, Grant, or

Fixed Amount Award

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Problem Statement: With a high unemployment rate among its youth, the government of Bahrain aims to expand opportunities for individuals and small businesses to grow and introduce meaningful reforms into the business and economic environments. Economically marginalized communities need to build leadership knowledge and skills. The skills of the available workforce do not respond to employers’ needs, which impedes economic growth.

Priorities: Post will utilize MEPI programs to equip youth, people with disabilities, and women, from economically underserved communities, with knowledge and technical tools to build leadership skills to effectively engage with the government and with the private sectors. Post encourages economic reform in Bahrain and supports business-enabling environments.

Post supports government initiatives to:

• Improve its policies and procedures to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly from marginalized groups, to achieve economic growth and job creation.

• Increase workforce employability and skill level among citizens – including youth, people with disabilities, and those from underserved communities – and access higher value opportunities through demand-driven vocational training and job placement, primarily in the private sector.

• Promote economic growth through increasing the participation of youth, people with disabilities, and women from underserved communities in economic activities. Pilot projects in emerging markets which diversify the economy to create jobs while reducing vulnerability to external shocks such as changes in commodities markets.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Youth, people with disabilities, and women from economically-vulnerable communities are the target audience.

Specific eligibility requirements: Post will target applicants with established local offices which are formally registered to operate in Bahrain. Applicants with strong government or private sector connections are encouraged to apply.

Israel:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Award Floor $100,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 18-24 months

Problem Statement: Israel is a leader in business and entrepreneurship as evidenced by its flourishing hi-tech sector. However, women have not benefitted from the country’s economic prosperity to the same degree as men, in particular Arab women who face steep obstacles. Labor force participation has increased in recent years, especially for women, but remains very low among Israeli-Arab women. As noted by the OECD, in Israel “accelerating the integration of population groups with historically weak labor market attachment, which are projected to reach 50% of the population in 2060, from 30% today, is vital for future growth and fiscal sustainability. In addition, reducing large labor market income disparities would improve opportunities for all and strengthen social cohesion.”

Access to the labor market begins with education and the quality of education varies widely across communities in Israel. It is the municipal governments of Israel that administer budgets for education and community resources, and thereby play a pivotal role in creating the conducive environments for economic growth and advancing gender parity. The local governments of Israel need capacity-building, coordination with the national government, and economic development opportunities with relevant sectors, alongside civil society engagement, to improve the lives of their citizens. Proposals should focus on advancing local governance and their partnership with civil society and the private sector, as a means toward addressing the challenges mentioned above.

Priorities:

• Economic empowerment of disadvantaged groups through advocacy, skills training that leads to job placement, integration into advanced industries and entrepreneurial ecosystem, regional cooperation, and industrial/tech zones.

• Working towards gender parity by enhancing access to resources, skills development, and networking opportunities.

• Strengthening cross-sector partnerships with government agencies, civil society, private entities, and academia to develop innovative solutions and leverage resources effectively in advancing gender parity and economic growth objectives.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Target beneficiaries will be from periphery communities and disadvantaged groups, as well as relevant key policy figures.

Specific eligibility requirements:

• NGOs or non-profit institutions including academia with operations in Israel.

• Must be registered with the Israeli Ministry of Justice.

• Priority will be given to applicants with at least 8 years of experience.

• Applicants are encouraged to have existing private sector or government partnerships when relevant.

Jordan:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Problem Statement: Jordan’s weak economy remains the greatest threat to the country’s long-term stability. The situation is even more challenging in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which will have long-term impacts on several of Jordan’s key economic sectors (such as the tourism sector).

Approximately 40 percent of Jordanian youth (those under 30, which comprises an estimated 63 percent of the country’s population) are unemployed, and 28 percent of degree-holding Jordanians are unemployed.

Roughly 40 percent of Jordan’s workforce is employed in the public sector, and only 14 percent of women are employed in Jordan’s formal economy.

Additionally, the majority of resources and opportunities for Jordan’s young people are most accessible in key cities, primarily Amman.

Priority: MEPI’s cross-cutting and economic reform goals align with the problem statement highlighted above, as well as post’s current efforts to advance economic growth by creating inclusive opportunities for Jordanian youth. Jordan offers one of the region’s most vibrant environments for innovation, research, and development. Post engagement includes providing professional and transferable skills (in English language, entrepreneurship, the creative economy, or promising ICT sectors such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence) to empower individual and career growth, civic engagement, and leadership among Jordan’s young people. By meeting labor market demands and fostering a shift in Jordanian job creation away from the public sector, post can help advance innovation and growth and help diverse cohorts of young, rising influencers in Jordan engage constructively in civil society, government, and the private sector.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Post seeks to increase engagement beyond Amman. The dearth of easily accessible resources and training for Jordanian youth outside of Amman results in key audiences with limited information about USG commitment to inclusive economic growth in Jordan.

Fast-growing sectors in Jordan include tourism, ICT fields (e.g. cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, gaming, etc.), and the creative economy. Jordan is home to a vibrant and growing community of innovators, giving it the potential to create an environment for new ideas, emerging technologies, and a flourishing startup ecosystem.

Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible organizations should be registered, not-for-profit organizations, including but not limited to think tanks, civil society/non-governmental organizations, and governmental educational institutions with prior programming experience. In order to receive foreign funds, civil society organizations must obtain approval from the Government of Jordan.

Kuwait:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Award Floor $75,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 12-18 months

Problem Statement:

Kuwait Vision 2040 outlines a transformative journey towards a brighter future for the country, focusing on the younger generation to lead the country’s development. Kuwait will dedicate special attention to its youth to provide them with resources to help them attain their aspirations and contribute to Kuwait’s development.

Approximately 70 percent of the Kuwaiti population is under the age of 40, and they seek dedicated physical spaces and virtual platforms for civic engagement and participation.

Despite increasing levels of education, young Kuwaitis also suffer from unemployment and face hiring challenges. The National Assembly passed laws to develop the private sector and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. Kuwaiti youth are enthusiastic about this progress but lack knowledge about business start-ups and their practices.

Post continues to advocate for increasing the inclusion and participation of women in civic, economic, and political activities. Although women gained the right to vote and run for office in 2005, they continue to face cultural, social, and financial barriers to full political participation. In the Kuwaiti labor market, women constitute approximately 47 percent of the workforce and Kuwait ranked 119 out of 146 countries for female labor participation.

Women feel discouraged from pursuing certain jobs and tend to work in others, such as education and health. Kuwait aims to boost women’s engagement in the labor market under the Creative Human Capital pillar, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of Vision 2040 on gender equality, to eliminate obstacles such as occupational segregation, a low female labor force participation rate, and social norms that restrict women’s access to economic opportunities.

Kuwait is one of the world’s hottest and most water-scarce countries, making climate change one of the most challenging issues that Kuwait faces.

The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, decreasing precipitation, and rising sea levels endanger health, life, water, and housing .

Kuwait has shown a high level of interest in reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts and has put in place the “Kuwait National Adaptation Plan 2019-2030” to integrate the adaptation of climate change into policies, programs, and activities within all relevant national sectors. Kuwait is confident that investing in green skills for youth will help establish a green economy and cope with the climate change issues toward a sustainable world.

Post’s engagement will support the Kuwaiti government’s implementation of Kuwait Vision 2040. Post seeks civil society organizations, interested groups, and non-profit organizations to engage Kuwaiti youth, with a special focus on women, on programs focused on employment, human rights, environmental awareness, cross-cultural communication, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and social engagement.

Priorities: Increased engagement with Kuwaiti youth, especially through participation in civil society, will encourage younger Kuwaitis to contribute to meaningful economic and civic activities and political discourse.

Through these funds, the embassy encourages applications that:

• Support Kuwait’s youth as a powerful driver for development by creating opportunities for growth and prosperity:

o Educate them on emerging technologies and develop their potential to come up with innovative and creative solutions for socioeconomic concerns.

o Expand their social role as peacemakers and conflict mediators.

o Make them more competitive nationally and across the region by improving education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

o Empower their sense of leadership and educate them to communicate effectively with their government.

o Build capacity to advocate effectively for the rights of women and marginalized populations in Kuwait and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to help communities thrive locally and globally.

• Develop green economy knowledge and skills among Kuwait’s youth to boost their role as economic players. Create and implement environmental initiatives to advance Kuwait’s efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Proposals should target Kuwaiti youth, women, marginalized groups, and civil society organizations and focus on engagement and collaboration with municipal and national government to find solutions to longstanding problems.

Specific eligibility requirements:

• Registered nonprofit companies, registered, or unregistered civil society organizations, and societies can all apply for local grants.

• It is preferred that applicants have existing private and government sector partnerships, like MOUs or ongoing partnerships.

Lebanon:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000 for one-year awards;

$300,000 for two-year awards

Estimated Award Floor $150,000 for one-year awards;

$200,000 for two-year awards

Estimated Length of Project Period 12-24 months

Problem Statement: Lebanon has experienced decades of governmental mismanagement and corruption. The lack of political progress underscores the need for long overdue political reform. The current economic crisis, as well as Parliament’s failure to elect a president, and postponed local elections have further eroded public trust in the government.

A June 2021 World Bank report estimated that Lebanon’s economic depression is likely to rank among the world’s top three most severe economic crises since the 1850s, noting that the “brutal and rapid” contraction in Lebanon’s GDP was of a magnitude usually affiliated with conflicts or wars. In 2022, Lebanon’s unemployment rate reached 29.6%, indicating that almost one-third of the active labor force was unemployed.

As of January 2024, Lebanon continues to face fundamental challenges stemming from the onset of the economic crisis in October 2019. At the same time, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack in southern Israel, hostilities have broken out between U.S.-designated terrorist group Hizballah and Israel in southern Lebanon, presenting yet another compounding crisis for Lebanon to weather.

The World Bank estimated Lebanon’s real GDP fell 0.6 percent in 2022, after 7 percent and 21.4 percent contractions in 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of January 2024, the Lebanese pound (LBP) has lost more than 98 percent of its value since 2019, and inflation reached an estimated 171.2 percent in 2022. In 2020, Lebanon defaulted on its nearly $31 billion dollar-denominated debt, the first such default in Lebanon’s history. Lebanon and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on Lebanon’s proposed economic reforms in April 2022, in which the Lebanese government committed to eight prior actions before the IMF’s Executive Board would consider financing a $3 billion, four-year loan. However, as of January 2024, the government had made only limited progress on these prior actions. The primary obstacle to undertaking these and other much-needed reforms remains persistent political paralysis.

The Government of Lebanon has not implemented long-overdue reforms, elected a president, and formed a government to put the country on a path to recovery. Since the end of President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022, Lebanon’s presidency has remained vacant. Meanwhile, the country’s Premiership and Cabinet are in caretaker status with reduced authorities per the country’s constitution, creating a “double vacancy” for the first time in Lebanon’s history. Even before this double vacancy, Lebanon’s politicians did not pursue reforms at a speed commensurate to the severity of the country’s economic crisis.

Priorities:

1. Foster inclusive economic growth: Reduce poverty and help the private sector recover from the deteriorating financial environment in order to help stabilize the Lebanese economy.

2. Encourage citizens’ engagement in participatory governance and decision-makers' willingness to work with citizen groups and civil society organizations to advance needed reforms: A public informed about peaceful political participation and civic action is better prepared to engage with Lebanon’s government and/or political parties, including new ones, and to advocate for and implement reforms that will forestall total collapse, spur recovery, and put the country on a stronger footing for the future.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Priority will be given to proposals that include regions outside the greater Beirut area. Successful proposals should focus on one or both of the following areas of priority:

1. Foster inclusive economic growth: Examples could include, but are not limited to:

• Business incubation centers or other direct assistance to micro and small business start-ups, and expansion of existing businesses;

• Providing training, coaching, and mentoring to the country’s youth to enable them to be economically productive and self-sustaining;

• Fostering Lebanese exports and/or establishing new local production as substitutes for goods typically imported but increasingly unaffordable given the plunge in value of the local currency;

• Programs that combat corruption, improve access to information, or promote a transparent public procurement process to improve Lebanon’s business climate; and

• Grants that promote collaboration between the private sector and civil society in order to drive reforms and inclusive economic growth.

2. Encourage citizens’ engagement in participatory governance and decision-makers' willingness to work with citizen groups and civil society organizations to advance needed reforms: Examples could include, but are not limited to:

• Programs that identify and empower new civil society organizations or politically-oriented groups that can compete nationally to influence electoral outcomes;

• Educate Lebanese civil society organizations so they can build stronger coalitions to support shared causes and political goals;

• Programs that improve the capacity of civil society organizations’ to influence change; and

• Information campaigns on peaceful, legal, civic actions within the framework of the Lebanese Constitution.

Specific eligibility requirements: Registered civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), registered community groups/movements, professional or educational organizations, or other for-profit or non-profit groups are eligible. Priority will be given to organizations with demonstrated competence in the areas of focus of their proposed activities.

Libya:

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement, Grant, or

Fixed Amount Award

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000 Estimated Award Floor $50,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 24 months

Problem Statement: The Embassy’s focus remains fostering national reconciliation, stabilization, and prosperity for the country to emerge peacefully from years of conflict.

Post would like to promote efforts to empower diverse Libyan stakeholders and communities to have active buy-in during the political transition process to advance community cohesion and reconciliation, promote accountable and inclusive governance, and mitigate drivers of instability.

U.S. efforts will facilitate key Libyan communities, institutions, and stakeholders to more actively participate in the country’s political transition, including through increased positive political engagement and collaboration across regional and political divides.

Also, the United States will continue supporting efforts to build the capacity of communities to more effectively address grievances that undermine political progress or cause instability, including barriers to women’s meaningful political and economic participation and access to justice.

The devastating September 2023 floods in Derna and other areas of eastern Libya led to over 4,000 confirmed deaths; over 8,000 people remain missing and approximately 45,000 were displaced. The reconstruction of Derna and other flood-affected communities is yet another challenge facing the Libyan people, and Libya’s fragmented governance and security institutions will complicate the effort.

In a media environment made more hostile by ongoing conflict in the region, Post will enhance partnerships with civil society organizations, the media, influencers, and others to counter hate speech and disinformation in favor of inclusion, reconciliation, and unity, as well as to facilitate the dissemination of accurate information on U.S. policy and initiatives in the Libyan information space. To this end, grants will focus on boosting Libyan civil societies and professional media organizations' capacity to engage in political processes, promote positive civic education, and combat hate speech and disinformation.

Priorities: As Libya moves beyond a state of crisis and conflict, citizens must have faith to rebuild a sovereign, unified, and prosperous state. Libya remains fractured politically with militias actively seeking to recruit young Libyans for various militant groups and criminal operations across the country.

Post supports positive engagements with youth, women, and Libyans representing traditionally marginalized communities to raise public awareness about the benefits of social cohesion, national unity, reconciliation, and women and girls’ empowerment.

Empowering diverse Libyan stakeholders and communities to have active buy-in during the political transition process will advance community cohesion and reconciliation, promote accountable and inclusive governance, and mitigate drivers of instability.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Libya was selected as a priority country for the newly launched U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.

Working under the provisions of the Global Fragility Act, this 10-year strategy would support Libya’s political transition to democracy and good governance, efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and secure its border, among other shared priorities. Many Libyans have responded positively to this plan for long-term U.S. engagement in Libya.

Post would particularly like to encourage individuals and organizations from the southern geographic region of Libya, as well as persons and organizations representing marginalized communities, including women, to apply. These align with Posts’ priorities as determined by the Global Fragility Act (GFA).

Themes of interest include reconciliation, entrepreneurship, and English language learning.

Morocco:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 18-24 months

Problem Statement:

Continued, sustained, and enhanced inclusive economic growth is critical to the well-being of Morocco and its citizens. Post aims to address these issues through diversification, education, and economic opportunities, that, along with targeted policies, can contribute to more sustainable and inclusive economic development not just in the most impacted areas but as a multiplier effect for the entire country. Additionally, our focus would be to enhance women's empowerment and entrepreneurship in the selected regions, in an effort to overcome gender-based economic disparities, while contributing to sustained economic growth.

Morocco’s growth fell from 8 percent in 2021 to 1.3 percent in 2022 before rebounding to 3 percent in the first half of 2023 as the effects of the COVID- 19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine faded away, supported by the partial recovery of agricultural production, the rebound of the tourism sector, and the positive contribution of net exports. Despite these recent signs of progress and Morocco’s status as a regional economic leader, the country continues to be hindered by high unemployment rates, income inequality, and dependence on agriculture. Morocco has suffered six consecutive years of drought, which has increased dependence on food imports and caused hundreds of thousands of lost jobs in rural areas in 2022 and 2023 because of lack of rainfall. Additionally, the tragic earthquake that struck the Atlas Mountains in September 2023 killed nearly 3,000 people, affected some of the most vulnerable communities, and unveiled critical local needs and challenges at many levels. Soon after the earthquake, Morocco announced a five-year reconstruction package to support Al Haouz and surrounding provinces and regions, and also allocated additional funds to alleviate isolation and poverty within the most marginalized populations, including youth and women in the Atlas Mountains, the Rif, and the Oriental regions.

Priorities:

(1) Foster inclusive economic growth: Proposals must focus on creating jobs, promoting economic advancement, and bridging the gap between the education system and the job market. Activities could include but are not limited to:

a. Promoting the creation of small- and medium-size businesses by providing technical assistance to address challenges to private sector development, including legal procedures, and difficulties in accessing finance. For example: Supporting startups, social enterprises, and handicraft and agricultural cooperatives in rural areas to develop initiatives and build capacities to better market their products.

b. Improving job seekers’ skills and employability through technical and skills training that lead to placement in internships and employment opportunities.

(2) Develop and promote locally-designed solutions to environmental, economic, or social problems, with a focus on water management and climate adaptation. MEPI could partner with local associations working on climate challenges and support projects promoting green entrepreneurship, recycling, and innovative high tech startups finding solutions to water management and improved agricultural practices.

Geographic/Thematic Focus:

• Priority will be given to proposals that focus on the Marrakech-Safi, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Al Haouz, Rif, and Oriental regions, plus other regions with limited access to economic opportunities.

• Priority will be given to proposals that concentrate on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

• Priority will be given to proposals that promote climate-smart, sustainable economic practices and growth, including in the eco-tourism sector and the digital market.

Specific eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be registered with the Government of Morocco.

• Applicants must have an office in Morocco.

• Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration.

• Applicants are encouraged to have existing private sector or government partnerships, when relevant.

• Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that actively contribute to women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, and that foster diversity and inclusivity in project implementation.

• Eligible applicants include:

o Non-profit organizations;

o For-profit organizations;

o Private institutions of higher education; and o Public international organizations.

Saudi Arabia:

Estimated Award Ceiling $150,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 12 months

Problem Statement: Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has embarked on comprehensive social and economic reforms aimed at modernizing the Kingdom’s economy, enhancing equality, and building a sustainable future.

However, while programs designed help develop emerging voices in various economic sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as the creative economy, entrepreneurship, and STEAM fields often fail to reach women and disadvantaged youth groups, particularly those residing outside of the major cities, limiting their ability to fully participate in the economy.

Priorities: Projects should be aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth, particularly those centered on development of skills critical to economic and social advancement among Saudi youth, women, or underserved groups (including the disabled and people living outside major cities). These are groups that have traditionally had fewer opportunities and would benefit the most from MEPI local grants.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Proposals should target Saudi youth, particularly women or underserved groups. A majority of Saudi citizens are under the age of 30, so programs aimed at youth have a higher chance of reaching disadvantaged groups. Women have achieved impressive gains, moving from 17 percent of the workforce in 2017 to 36 percent of the workforce by the end of 2023. However, retention in the workforce and women’s employment in the creative economy remains limited.

Proposals should target the creative fields (such as media, comedy, film/television, music, sound engineering, the visual arts, sports entertainment and management, and e-gaming), environmental protection, and/or cultural heritage. These are all areas where the Saudi government and Saudi youth have been increasingly active and proposals in these areas would be beneficial to disadvantaged groups.

Specific eligibility requirements:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience.

• Individuals

• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

• Public and private universities and research institutions

• Governmental institutions

Tunisia:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 12 months

Problem Statement: Tunisian students face multiple complex challenges in turning creative ideas into profitable ventures. Barriers to entrepreneurship among youth include a regulatory framework that is not conducive to new and small business development, limited access to capital, and an underdeveloped entrepreneurial ecosystem (an education system that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, universities that promote business development, etc.). Students and young potential entrepreneurs need access to professional networks and mentoring from skilled business professionals to be able to move from business ideation to implementation.

Moreover, startups' potential to grow is constrained by the size of the local market and a regional economic climate that limits scalability. These limitations hinder Tunisia's potential for innovation, suppress the entrepreneurial spirit among young Tunisians, and limit overall economic growth.

Priorities: This project seeks to foster inclusive economic growth for youth as related to the ICS Mission Objective 1.3: Tunisian citizens, particularly youth, women, and other geographically marginalized populations have equal access to government services and fully benefit from economic development.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: The project should focus on young Tunisian student entrepreneurs as defined below:

• Participants must be aged 18-30 and enrolled in university seeking a bachelors, masters, or doctorate degree; and

• Participants should be split 50 percent men, 50 percent women.

The project should select participants from different governorates and or regions within Tunisia. Applicants should justify the selection of governorates. Final selection must receive approval from the USG.

Proposals should target one of the following fields including environmental protection, agriculture, climate change, cultural heritage, sports entertainment, and management, and/or e-gaming.

West Bank and Gaza:

Estimated Award Ceiling $200,000

Estimated Length of Project Period 12-24 months

Problem Statement: A broad set of challenges has impeded Palestinians’ economic opportunities and civil society capacity for many years. The space for Palestinian civil society is highly constrained, and civil society organizations (CSOs) often struggle with institutional capacity. Startups and small businesses are the most successful drivers of economic growth and job creation around the world; however, a thriving small business sector requires a better regulatory enabling environment, and a labor force with skills that match market needs. Since the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the challenges in Gaza have reached unprecedented levels; the conflict is also having significant spillover effects in the West Bank, especially on the economy and employment. At the same time, many Palestinians remain very motivated to better their local communities and Palestinian society writ large; with local level institutional structures such as municipalities, community councils, professional associations and chambers playing a vital role in those efforts. Empowering citizens and building their capacity to advocate for themselves and their communities at a local level will catalyze these important improvements.

Priorities: Increasing civil society’s representation of the needs of citizens through collective action at the local level aligns with Post’s ICS Goal #2:

Building Palestinian institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, that effectively address the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Developing and promoting locally-led solutions aligns with Post’s ICS Goal #3: Building a prosperous Palestinian economy, led by a thriving private sector, that provides equitable and inclusive economic opportunities and improves daily life for Palestinians, as well as Goal 2 above.

Geographic/Thematic Focus: Priority will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate the impact of the project on local communities in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.

Increase civil society’s representation of the needs of citizens through collective action on the local level:

• Empower and enhance rights of marginalized groups including youth, women, people with disabilities, rural communities, and vulnerable communities.

• Increase transparency, accountability, and citizen oversight of services provided by authorities.

• Strengthen women’s many and varied roles as community leaders.

• Build CSO capacity to articulate and advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Develop and promote locally-designed solutions to environmental, economic, or social problems:

• Support economic empowerment for marginalized groups including youth, women, people with disabilities, rural communities, and vulnerable communities.

• Strengthen women’s participation and/or decrease gender gaps in the private sector (especially leadership positions).

• Create employment opportunities for recent graduates and young professionals in private sector entities that are seeking to also improve their communities (i.e. social entrepreneurship programs).

• Build the capacity of CSOs and private sector institutions to advocate for improvements to policy and regulations for the business enabling environment.

• Support Palestinian communities’ efforts to combat climate change, develop local clean energy solutions, and/or adapt to/mitigate its effects.

Specific eligibility requirements: Awardees must be operating/have offices in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and/or Gaza.

For each country/territory listed above the following activities and costs are NOT ALLOWED under this announcement:

• Job training that does not lead to an internship or job placement opportunities;

• Development of mobile applications (apps);

• Cash awards/prizes;

• Foreign travel, unless specifically justified within the project;

• Agriculture, unless it focuses on job creation and economic diversification to combat the effects of climate change and promote resiliency;

• Polling/surveying;

• Handicrafts;

• Costs related to renovation, remodeling, or purchase or lease of real estate beyond usual office rent;

• Purchase of office décor;

• Purchase of equipment (tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and is $5,000 or more per unit);

• Language training courses;

• Exchange activities with other countries or territories;

• Social welfare and healthcare projects;

• Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;

• Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns;

• Academic or analytical research (if not necessary as part of a larger project);

• One-time events, such as stand-alone conferences and one-off round tables;

• Medical and psychological research and clinical studies;

• Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature;

• Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc.; and

• Entertainment costs (e.g., receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, guided tours).

NOTE: Applications that include any of these activities or costs may be eliminated at the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will not advance to the Merit Review Panel.

D. GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION INTEGRATION

NEA/AC requires that all activities fully address intersectional gender and inclusion considerations, ensuring that individuals of all genders and diverse backgrounds1 benefit from support to the extent feasible, and that gender and inclusion awareness is a built-in component of project activities. This should be documented through gender and social inclusion analysis in the project narrative that identifies any relevant gender and inclusion gaps and ways the proposed activities will address those gaps. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender and inclusion gaps will enhance the project’s goals and objectives.