NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement
🏛 Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to implement foreign assistance programs in Near Eastern partner countries that advance U.S. strategic interests. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, educational institutions (public and private), for-profit organizations, and public international organizations. Programs must leverage assistance to promote U.S. commercial interests, trade, and American enterprise while advancing economic, security, and diplomatic objectives. Applicants should demonstrate how their projects will catalyze private capital and support U.S. partners through market-based approaches.
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Program description
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) for innovative foreign assistance programs benefitting partner countries that also advance U.S. commercial diplomacy and place American interests first. SOI must demonstrate how projects will leverage foreign assistance for U.S. partners as a tool of statecraft to advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives. Programming should promote trade, not aid, by leveraging assistance resources to champion American enterprise and infrastructure and catalyze private capital through market principles.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Statement of Interest (SOI)
- Organizational background and experience
- Project narrative demonstrating U.S. strategic alignment
- Budget and financial documentation
- Evidence of regional capacity and partnerships
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.600 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$65,167,600
-
$24,959,025
-
$19,073,380
-
$6,449,156
-
$6,344,087
-
$5,800,000
-
$5,347,622
-
$5,241,060
-
$5,102,893
-
$5,000,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.600). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2020 | $28,478,840 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, think tanks, NGOs, educational institutions, for-profit companies, and public international organizations are eligible. U.S. government agencies typically are not eligible to apply.
What geographic focus is required?
Programs must benefit partner countries in the Near Eastern region. Projects should advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic interests in that region.
What types of activities are funded?
Grants support innovative foreign assistance programs that promote trade, leverage American enterprise, and attract private capital. Programs must align assistance with U.S. strategic objectives.
What is the typical award range?
Awards range from $250,000 to $30,000,000 depending on project scope and demonstrated capacity. Competitiveness increases with clear linkage to U.S. commercial and diplomatic goals.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 30, 2026. A Statement of Interest is required as the first step in the application process.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear Statement of Interest that demonstrates how your project advances U.S. commercial and strategic interests in the region. Vague humanitarian framing without U.S. benefit emphasis will be weak.
- Show how your organization will leverage assistance resources to catalyze private capital and market-based solutions. This grant prioritizes "trade, not aid" language and approaches.
- Highlight your track record in the Near Eastern region and relationships with U.S. commercial partners. The agency wants demonstrated credibility and connections in your proposed geography.
- Address U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives explicitly for each project component. Reviewers will score alignment with these three pillars heavily.
- Research the current State Department priorities for the specific country or region you target. Alignment with broader U.S. foreign policy strengthens competitiveness significantly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing on humanitarian need without linking to U.S. strategic interests. The grant prioritizes American interests and commercial advantage above development outcomes alone.
Submitting vague proposals without clear private sector engagement. Reviewers want market-based solutions that attract capital, not traditional aid programs.
Underestimating the importance of demonstrating regional expertise. Organizations unfamiliar with Near Eastern partner countries and U.S. diplomatic relationships face significant disadvantages.
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