Overview
The U.S. Department of State's Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program is offering an estimated $10 million for joint applied scientific research and innovation projects connecting institutions in Israel and eligible Middle East and North Africa partners. Grants are expected to range from $100,000 to $2 million, with seven awards anticipated.
Complete grant details
MERC supports collaborative applied research that addresses shared regional challenges and has clear potential for practical application, commercialization or broader adoption. The official Grants.gov notice lists science, technology and other research and development as the funding category, no cost-sharing requirement, seven expected awards, a $100,000 award floor and $2 million ceiling, and $10 million in estimated total programme funding. Applicants should use the official Grants.gov opportunity DFOP0019227 for the full notice, package and application process.
Eligibility requirements
Eligible applicant organizations include public and private educational institutions, corporations and for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations including think tanks and civil-society/NGO organizations, public international organizations and governmental institutions. The official notice states that all projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible Middle East or North Africa country or territory; U.S. participation is welcomed when it adds value to the collaboration.
Tips for this grant
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Check eligibility, funding coverage, study/project level and every required document before investing time in the application.
- Prepare transcripts, references, language tests, proposal/motivation statement and proof documents early.
- Separate the scholarship deadline from any university/program admission deadline; they may be different.
- Treat “fully funded” as a source fact only when the official provider explicitly confirms the covered costs.
Verification notes
Verified on the official Grants.gov record for funding opportunity DFOP0019227. The source confirms a 6 July 2026 posted date, 30 September 2026 current closing date, seven expected awards, $10 million estimated programme funding, $100,000 award floor, $2 million award ceiling, no cost-sharing requirement and the listed organizational eligibility. Apply/View Original should point to this exact Grants.gov opportunity.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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