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AusGrant
Federal Closing soon GRANTS-GOV-363070

Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)

Assistance Coordination (DOS) · Competitive · Science & Technology

At a glance

Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) is a federal competitive grant from Assistance Coordination for the science & technology sector. Funding is $100K–$2M. Eligible applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). The following organizations are eligible to apply: - Public and private educational institutions - Corporations and for-profit o. The application deadline is September 30, 2026. Apply via the official listing at www.grants.gov.

Amount
$100K–$2M
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Type
Competitive
Status
Closing soon

About this program

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

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). The following organizations are eligible to apply: - Public and private educational institutions - Corporations and for-profit organizations - Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations - Public International Organizations and governmental institutions

How to apply

Apply through Grants.gov using funding opportunity number DFOP0019227. Register your organization (SAM.gov + Grants.gov) before the deadline, then submit the application package listed in the official notice.

Apply at official source