Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)
🏛 Assistance Coordination
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations collaborating on applied research and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa region. U.S. public institutions, private companies, nonprofits, and international organizations may apply. All projects must include Israeli and at least one eligible MENA country partner. Projects must focus on applied research addressing shared regional challenges, with clear potential for application and commercialization.
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Program description
The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program supports joint scientific research and innovation partnerships between the United States, Israel, and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program funds applied research projects that address shared regional challenges while advancing U.S. economic, technological, and strategic interests. MERC is designed to bring together researchers, technical experts, and institutions to work on projects that go beyond basic research and demonstrate clear potential for application, commercialization, and broader adoption. MERC prioritizes efforts that strengthen U.S. technological leadership, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, promote the use of U.S. technologies, and build long-term partnerships in the region. The program places strong emphasis on collaboration. All projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible MENA country or territory. MERC welcomes U.S. participation, particularly when it adds technical expertise, supports market expansion for U.S. companies, or helps connect research to markets. Projects should demonstrate a clear plan for using and scaling results and how the outcomes benefit priorities of the United States and the participating countries. Overall, MERC aims to strengthen regional cooperation by supporting high-quality scientific partnerships that produce tangible results. By connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA organizations, the program helps build networks, promote innovation, and create opportunities for economic growth, peaceful and mutually beneficial collaboration, and long-term stability in the region.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of commitment from Israeli and MENA country partners
- Organizational capacity documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Assistance Coordination
- 📧 NEA-Grants@state.gov
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 19.502 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.502). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,500,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $7,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply to MERC?
U.S. and international public institutions, private corporations, nonprofits, think tanks, and governmental organizations can apply. All projects require Israeli and MENA country partners.
What is the deadline and award amount?
The deadline is September 30, 2026. Awards range from $100,000 to $2,000,000 per project.
What types of projects are funded?
MERC funds applied research and innovation projects addressing regional challenges. Projects must demonstrate commercialization potential and clear plans for scaling results.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required. However, all projects must include international partners from Israel and eligible MENA countries.
How competitive is this grant?
With $10 million in total funding and awards up to $2 million, competition is moderate. Strong partnership structure and demonstrated innovation potential significantly strengthen proposals.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build partnerships early. Israeli and MENA partners must be identified before submission; choose organizations with complementary expertise and regional credibility.
- Focus on applied outcomes. Emphasize concrete applications, commercialization pathways, and how results benefit all participating countries' priorities.
- Demonstrate U.S. advantage. Clearly articulate how U.S. participation adds technical expertise, supports business growth, or connects research to markets.
- Show regional benefit. Explain how the project addresses shared challenges and creates economic opportunities for all partners beyond basic science.
- Plan for sustainability. Detail mechanisms for scaling results, sustaining partnerships, and achieving long-term adoption of innovations in the region.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed international partners from Israel and eligible MENA countries. Proposing basic research rather than applied projects with clear commercialization potential. Failing to articulate specific U.S. economic or strategic benefits alongside regional collaboration benefits.
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