QA MEPI Local Grants 2021.pdf

2021 MEPI Local Grants NOFO Questions and Answers

Opportunity Number: MEPILOCALGRANTS2021

1. What type of project can you fund?

The funding opportunity description, project design information, and award objectives are stated in the NOFO. The applicant must fully review and adhere to the requirements outlined in the NOFO and consider the evaluation criteria when preparing an application.

2. Are applications for multi-country projects accepted?

No, applications must be country specific.

3. We would like to confirm if we can add other areas to the ones included in the

NOFO?

In addition to the overarching MEPI objectives and requirements identified above, projects must meet country-specific project priority areas as outlined in Section I-C.

4. Is it allowed to give small subgrants to women/youth to implement small projects to implement the training skills provided in financial areas?

No provision in the NOFO explicitly prohibits sub-grants. However, all proposals must meet overarching MEPI objectives and requirements as well as country-specific project priority areas as outlined in Section I-C. Proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria in Section VIII-A, including a clear articulation of how proposed activities will contribute to the proposed project objective(s).

5. We have a program that matches the grant's criteria, however, one of your sub-contractors, is not based in the specific country. Can we include it in the proposal?

It is acceptable to include sub-grants in your proposal so long as they meet overarching

MEPI objectives and requirements as well as country-specific project priority areas as outlined in Section I-C. It is also acceptable to make use of contracted assistance. Either should be adequately addressed in the narrative and budget documents of the proposal.

6. Is it possible to implement a project in KSA or Kuwait and lead it from Lebanon.

Only organizations that formally operate in the country for which they are applying will be eligible. Organizations that have an established local office in the country they propose to implement their project will also be eligible to apply, but awards will be issued to the local office and not any partner or affiliate office that may be located outside of the country of implementation.

7. Does the grant cover the costs of training youth/women/people with handicaps on a specific program that will be developed under this grant?

No provision in the NOFO explicitly prohibits training. However, all proposals must meet overarching MEPI objectives and requirements as well as country-specific project priority areas as outlined in Section I-C. Proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria in Section VIII-A, including a clear articulation of how proposed activities will contribute to the proposed project objective(s).

8. In preparation for applying to the grant, I have registered for the DUNS number and N-CAGE code and then proceeded to registering our entity in sam.gov.

For technical difficulties in obtaining the DUNS number, please contact D&B at:

govt@dnb.com. For help with SAM.gov, please visit their support page at https://www.fsd.gov or contact them at: 866-606-8220 (U.S.) or +1-334-206-7828

(international). See Appendix 5 for additional instructions on registering for a SAM account.

9. Is it eligible under the grant to provide seed funding to support the development of seed to early-stage SMEs/business ideas?

Making microgrants to startups is acceptable. The proposal should clearly explain how the implementer envisions using seed funds, how they will decide who is eligible to receive them, and what sort of outcomes are expected.

10. Is it eligible under the grant to provide material/equipment to support the development of seed to early-stage SMEs/business ideas or CBOs?

NEA/AC defines “equipment” as an item costing $5000 or more which is intended for the use of a specific person or organization (for example, a printing press). In accordance with the NOFO, the procurement of equipment is not an allowable cost or activity.

11. Is salary contribution for job placement allowed under this grant? And if so, can the awardee provide direct salary contribution to the hiring company.

Salary contributions for job placements are not allowed under this grant opportunity.

12. Are transportation allowances eligible expenses under this grant?

Travel costs, including per diem, are allowable expenses. They are subject to applicable law and regulations.

mailto:govt@dnb.com

13. Is the target group only Jordanian youth? If not, what is the minimum percentage of refugees in the target group?

Proposals to be implemented in Jordan which target groups which are not, or not primarily, Jordanian youth will be considered. Please refer to the “Country Priorities” section for Jordan for more information.

14. What is the age range considered under “youth’?

There is no strict age range to be considered youth. The implementer can choose to define an age range and justify their choice, if desired.

15. In addition to Vocational Training, is it eligible to provide technical training

(especially regarding digitalization)?

Employability training is permitted but should normally be attached to a specific increase in employment.

16. Is it eligible to only focus on self-employment?

Yes.

17. Is this opportunity restricted to specific sectors within the labor market?

No, please see each country’s priorities for more information.

18. Is it eligible to work in the governorates of Zarqa, Irbid and East Amman?

Proposals which are to be implemented within one the countries listed in the Notice of

Funding Opportunity will be considered. Priority will be given to proposals which target the areas listed in “Geographic/Thematic Focus”.

19. Are locally registered branches of U.S-based non-profit organizations eligible to apply? Section V. Sub-Section A. Eligible Applications pages 20-21.

Yes, however the organization must have an established local office. Please see the

Location Requirements under section V, sub-section A.

20. We noticed in the grant's full announcement that the number of beneficiaries is not mentioned, does this mean there are no restrictions in regards to the number of beneficiaries?

Correct, there is no restrictions or limits on the number of beneficiaries.

21. Since we are designing a project to promote entrepreneurship, can we provide any financial support to the youth? If not, are we allowed to support the youth in providing collaterals for loans that they might get?

All project costs must be allowable under CFR 200. Microgrants to startup enterprises are a permissible expense.

22. Is MEPI open to funding a financial literacy component?

Proposals should be responsive to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, including the

“Country Priorities” relevant to the country where the project will be implemented.

23. Are costs associated with government authorities allowable? For instance, if we are conducting a workshop on licensing and registration of businesses, are we allowed to support any government official providing this type of training? What about transportation?

Costs related to the facilitation of a training session or workshop are limited to providing a training venue and training materials. Direct financial support to government officials, such as travel reimbursement, are not allowable.

24. Does MEPI prefer direct implementation with the youth or are they open to technical training for CBOs in the target area?

Either is acceptable. In responding to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, applicants should explain their proposed methodology and justify it.