§ Federal grant opportunity · DFOP0019227
Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)
Assistance Coordination is accepting applications for Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC). The deadline is September 30, 2026 and the published award range is $100K – $2M.
Key facts
- Funder
- Assistance Coordination
- Application deadline
- September 30, 2026
- Award range
- $100K – $2M
- Eligibility
- 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
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Research
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0019227
Program overview
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.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Assistance Coordination.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before September 30, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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