The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, managed by USAID, invites proposals for funding under its 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The program aims to foster cross-border collaboration between Israeli researchers and partners in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to address regional challenges through applied scientific research and technological development. The ultimate goal is to develop solutions to shared problems in support of a lasting peace in the region. This NOFO focuses on research in the natural, physical, and social sciences and engineering, with a special call for proposals related to food security in the MENA region.

The MERC Program offers three types of funding opportunities: applied research grants, continuation grants, and travel and workshop grants. Applied research grants are intended for multi-year, collaborative research projects that tackle regional issues such as economic growth, environmental management, food production, and healthcare. Continuation grants extend current or recently completed research to further disseminate findings or implement results, while travel and workshop grants fund short-term exchanges or collaborative events aimed at building partnerships or preparing future proposals. Proposals must demonstrate strong cooperation between Israeli and MENA partners, with a focus on applied research that benefits developing countries in the region.

Eligible applicants include academic, governmental, non-governmental, and private sector institutions from Israel and MENA countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and others. All projects must involve at least one Israeli partner and one eligible MENA partner, with preference given to proposals that promote equitable participation and benefits, particularly for resource-limited populations. Projects that include partners from wealthier MENA countries like Qatar or Saudi Arabia must ensure that the research outcomes primarily benefit less affluent MENA countries.

The program particularly encourages proposals that address food security challenges, including developing crops resilient to extreme climate conditions, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Applicants can apply for up to $1 million in funding for applied research grants, $500,000 for continuation grants, and $100,000 for travel and workshop grants. The duration of projects can range from one to five years, depending on the grant category. Cost-sharing is encouraged, particularly for institutions in wealthier countries, but there is no minimum requirement.

Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as the strength of regional cooperation, relevance to regional development, technical merit, capacity-building potential, and the likelihood of research outcomes being implemented. The application process begins with a pre-proposal for applied research grants, with full proposals required only if invited. Applicants must submit their pre-proposals by January 15, 2025. Final award decisions will be announced in April 2025, and successful applicants will be required to comply with reporting and regulatory requirements outlined by USAID.

For those interested, the MERC Program encourages early consultation with USAID to ensure alignment with program goals and to address any questions about eligibility or submission requirements. All submissions must be in English, and applicants are advised to ensure compliance with all technical and administrative guidelines to avoid disqualification.