# Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0019227-middle-east-regional-cooperation-merc/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363070

> Assistance Coordination offered grants of up to $2.0 million (at least $100,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 7 awards worth $10.0 million in total. Applications closed on September 30, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0019227 |
| Agency | Assistance Coordination |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.0 million |
| Award floor | $100,000 |
| Expected awards | 7 |
| Total funding | $10.0 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.502 |

## 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

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0019227 still open?

No. It closed on September 30, 2026.

### Who can apply for Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)?

Assistance Coordination accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)?

Closed September 30, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.0 million each. About $10.0 million in total across about 7 awards.