DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY, AND COOPERATION
USAID Middle East Regional Cooperation Program (MERC)

Please continue to check our website for the next deadline for receipt in Washington, D.C. of MERC pre-proposals. Current guidelines are not yet available, but generally they change little from year to year. Please reference the detailed 2007 program guidelines for eligibility and application information.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The USAID Middle East Regional Cooperation Program (MERC) supports collaboration between Israel and its Arab neighbors on common priority development problems. MERC is a research and development activity of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and is an integral part of the U.S. program of development assistance. The program is part of ongoing efforts to engage more fully the region's human and institutional capabilities in the Middle East Peace Process.

MERC has two primary goals: promoting research for development and improving cooperation in the region. MERC grants are, in general, oriented more towards research than institution building, with a developmental impact (economic, environmental, policy, etc.) expected in the near rather than distant future. MERC grants are for no more than $1,000,000 total funding (usually spread over 3, 4, or 5 years). Pre-proposals are required. Guidelines can also be requested from the below address.

INFORMATION ON SUBMITTING MERC PROPOSALS
All proposals must stand on their own merits and undergo peer review. Those interested in participating in the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program are encouraged to contact us at:

Research Support Program for USAID
Policy and Global Affairs
National Academy of Sciences
500 Fifth Street, NW, Mailstop W517
Washington, D.C. 20001
USA

TEL 202 334-2633
FAX 202 334-2660
EMAIL review@nas.edu

The program is managed at USAID by: Dr. David O'Brien, Program Manager.