DFOP0014385 MEPI LG Q&A Posted.docx

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0014385 Funding Opportunity Title: MEPI Local Grants 2024

Questions & Answers Q. We are developing an approach that would see us coordinating a project with counterparts in Jordan and Lebanon. Its focus would be working on youth to raise awareness around climate change and environmental issues and improve their capacity to engage with policymakers on these issues. This would touch on several of the calls cross-cutting objectives (numbers 1,3,6,). I wanted to ask, is such a regional approach eligible for MEPI funding under this opportunity? Or must all projects have a single country focus and address the specific sub-theme of that country?

A. Location Requirement in the NOFO states: Only organizations that have an established local office in the country/territory they propose to implement their project will be eligible to apply. Awards will be issued to the local office and not any partner or affiliate office that may be located outside of the country/territory of implementation. Please refer to specific requirements for each country in the NOFO.

Q. Can we submit a single application covering multiple countries simultaneously. Our aim is to streamline the application process and maximize the impact of our proposed project. We would be grateful if you could provide guidance on the following: 1- Eligibility criteria for applying across multiple countries, 2- Any specific requirements or considerations we should be aware of when submitting a joint application.

A. Location Requirement in the NOFO states: Only organizations that have an established local office in the country/territory they propose to implement their project will be eligible to apply. Awards will be issued to the local office and not any partner or affiliate office that may be located outside of the country/territory of implementation. Please refer to specific requirements for each country in the NOFO.

Q. Does the project need to be totally new, or can it be an expansion of an existing project with new activities? Can it be a renewal of activities we do every year : for the sake of example, we have every year a mentoring program, could we include the next cycle in the project? there will be activities we do each year (training, lecture, conference) but the next year cycle has not yet started so these activities are not yet begun and not being started to be funded yet.

A. The expansion of an existing project with a set of new activities and new beneficiaries or geographic location is allowable within the scope of the NOFO and country priorities. Nevertheless, the funds must not be used to complete activities which begun already with other funds.

Q. Does the proposal need to address all the 3 specific priorities set up for the country?

A. The proposal needs to address at least one of the priorities.

Q. Can the project aim to Arab professionals in Israel already employed but who need more skills, network, confidence for personal and professional development, to feel more included at their existing workplace, to have more chance to be promoted or find better jobs and opportunity? or it has to aim to focus on quantitative employment?

A. Yes this aligns with the NOFO's priorities. While emphasizing economic empowerment and gender parity, the NOFO also underscores the importance of supporting disadvantaged groups, such as Arab women in the labor market. The focus on skill development and career advancement directly contributes to these goals. Regarding your question about the focus on quantitative employment outcomes, while the NOFO does not explicitly mandate such a focus, demonstrating measurable outcomes in terms of job placements, increased employment rates, or enhanced income levels can significantly strengthen the credibility and long-term sustainability of your project.

Q.) Are transportation costs possible within this grant?

A. Yes, as far as its justified within the project.

Q. Can we frame a project around training youth in specific areas in the healthcare sector (integrated AI, ICT within the Health Sector)?

A. There are no restrictions in the NOFO to train youth in the healthcare sector. However, some activities are not allowable as indicated in the NOFO to include Medical and psychological research and studies. It would be necessary to address one of your country priorities and that the training program would yield in concrete outcomes such as creation of new businesses, scale up existing ones, or increase employment prospects in key economic sectors including health.

Q. Are there any restrictions in terms of numbers and targets (number of people)?

A. No restrictions but we recommend SMART target results that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Q. Is there any requirement for employment? if yes, what is the percentage for employment for people involved in the training?

A. Trainings (output results) should lead to tangible measurable outcome results (like employment). Job training that does not lead to an internship or job placement opportunities are not allowed as per the NOFO.

Q. Please advise if internship and/or employment has to happen during the project phase?

A. Internship and employment opportunities should ideally occur during the project phase to maximize their impact and sustainability. This approach offers real-time skill development, immediate benefits to participants, enhanced sustainability, and fosters stakeholder engagement.

Q. If employment salaries can be paid using the grant money?

A. Yes, staff working for the project can be paid using the grant funds. Please see appendix 1, personnel budget category.

Q. Can training be conducted for any of the following: 1) Healthcare workers 2) non-medical workers in the healthcare sector?

A. Activities are not allowable as indicated in the NOFO to include Medical and psychological research and studies. It would be necessary to address one of your country priorities and that the training program would yield in concrete outcomes.

Q. How does the grant handle intellectual property rights generated from funded projects, especially concerning AI models or software developed?

A. The IP registration costs of patents and trademarks as part of participants support costs may be allowed when they serve one of the NOFO objectives and more specifically the technology/ Innovation, economic development and growth axe. IP regulations in the MENA region vary significantly across different countries, reflecting diverse legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. The overall IP registration process in MENA can be lengthy, with potential delays due to complex administrative processes which may extend beyond the award period of performance. It is essential to consult with specialized legal companies in IP to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Q. Are we able to apply for a scope aimed at assisting artisanal small businesses in exporting their products?

A. This is allowable and in line with NOFO priorities when the ultimate goal and objective of the project is to build the soft skills and capacity of young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses or support employment of local artisans and subsequently contribute to the economic development at the local and national level.

Q. We are looking to apply for the 2024 MEPI Local Grant. Will there be an information session for this grant cycle? If not, can we schedule a short call to talk about eligibility and expectations for programming?

A. No, there will not be an information session. Please refer to the NOFO for further information -link Q. Are private companies free to apply?

A. Yes. Please see the NOFO for all eligibility requirements.

For Tunisia specifically, are there regional demographics that are prioritized in the selection process?

Q. Are cross-border projects involving NGOs from both Israel and West Bank eligible to apply?

A. Yes Q. Could a proposed project be complementary to existing or planned projects?

A. Yes Q. We asking if there is a possibility to extend the deadline so that our organization can apply for this Grant.

A. There are no exceptions or extensions to any due dates noted in the NOFO.

Q. We are trying to apply for DFOP0014385 grant and we have run into some challenges. We created an account on Login.Gov and Grants.gov and we still cannot apply- A. Please create an account in Mygrants. Refer to the access/submission guidelines in the NOFO. Link to Opportunity in MyGrants Q. We would like to submit a question about the DFOP0014385: MEPI Local Grants 2024 NOFO released May 7. We are interested in applying as a subgrantee with local partners in more than one location. Is this allowable if our organization is not the lead applicant?

A. No, only the prime applicant may submit an application.

Q. My organization is part of a non-profit incorporated in the US. We operate as a local civil society organization and are registered in Israel as a foreign company. I would like to clarify if we are eligible to apply for this call.

A. Please see eligibility requirements in the NOFO. Link to Opportunity in MyGrants Q. What about the SF424 documents? It says that they need to be filled online as well but I could not see or access them. I would appreciate your guidance.

A. You can access the SF424 forms in the MyGrants Link to Opportunity in MyGrants Q. Appendix A4, it is mentioned that the Project Narrative cannot exceed 10 pages and in the local grant NOFO 2024 PDF it is mentioned 12 pages- which one is correct? There is also some contradiction in the size of the font. Which font should be used for the project narrative?

A. The required font is 15-point, Calibri. The Project Narrative maybe no longer than 12 pages.

Q. Do we need an American Smart Card to submit our application:

A. No. Please establish an account in MyGrants to submit an application. Refer to the MyGrants registration instructions in the NOFO. Link to Opportunity in MyGrants Q. I would like to inquire about the submission to MEPI local grant (Opportunity Number: DFOP0014385). Should the submission itself with all the filled appendixes be sent online? Is it done through SAM?

A. Please refer to the submission guidelines in the NOFO. Link to Opportunity in MyGrants Q. I'm inquiring about the MEPI Local Grants 2024 opportunity. Can you please assist me on where I can go for more information?

A. Please see NOFO – Link to Opportunity in MyGrants

Q. Can you just confirm if we are eligible as a for-profit media, to apply for this grant opportunity?

A. Yes. Private sector organizations can apply. Please see the NOFO for all eligibility requirements.