Middle East Partnership Initiative

The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative supports organizations and individuals in their efforts to promote political, economic, and social engagement in the Middle East and North Africa.

The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative supports organizations and individuals in their efforts to promote political, economic, and social engagement in the Middle East and North Africa

U.S. or foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations; private institutions of higher education, public or state institutions of higher education; public international organizations; and small businesses with functional and regional experience. Each solicitation outlines who is eligible and what types of experience are needed to apply for funding.

MEPI supports projects in Algeria, Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen. Regional and multi-country projects may include Iraqi participants, but we currently do not fund Iraq-specific projects. Any award made using State/NEA funds requires the full complement of standard federal forms and budget documents, CVs of main program staff, as dictated by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Administration, and the relevant OMB circulars. See www.grants.gov for specific announcement. 2 CFR 200 applies to this program.

The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) addresses U.S. national security and economic objectives by advancing stability and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa region. MEPI leverages strategic partnerships and cost sharing agreements with the interagency, international organizations, governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, to maximize efficacy and efficiency of assistance funding. MEPI projects partner with governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector to improve governance and strengthen institutions, asserting U.S. leadership and influence and fostering U.S. economic opportunities. Among other activities, these projects include supporting legal, economic, and regulatory reforms to improve the business-enabling environment; advancing transparent and efficient governance; and strengthening partnerships between citizens, civil society, the private sector, and government institutions in the areas of governance, civil leadership development and civic education.

Although the average length is 24 months, the specific length of time for a MEPI grant may vary from one award to another. Details for each can be found on the respective announcements. All assistance for Centralized Payments, Cash Management, Financial Reporting, Debt Management, and Audit Assistance is with the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Payment Management one of the two non-DoD grants payment systems for use by the entire Federal Government.

See www.grants.gov for specific announcement instructions. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. Environmental impact information is not required for this program.

Project specific, depends on the program. All awards are screened for terror finance and/or support per the relevant U.S. Department of State and federal guidelines and regulations. See www.grants.gov for specific announcement.

Solicitations are reviewed by panels comprised of area and subject matter experts drawn from both inside and outside the State Department, including from NGOs and the private sector. Award procedures are defined by the U.S. Department of State, Administration Bureau in accordance with 2 CFR 200.

Based on program needs and availability of funding.