MEPI Grant: Empowering Private Sector Development in the MENA Region

This RFA is consistent with President Obama’s May 2011 speech on the Arab Spring, in which he stated, “Just as democratic revolutions can be triggered by a lack of individual opportunity, successful democratic transitions depend upon an expansion of growth and broad-based prosperity.” In that speech, President Obama referred to the importance of involving the people of the region in the economy: “The greatest untapped resource in the Middle East and North Africa is the talent of its people… That energy now needs to be channeled, in country after country, so that economic growth can solidify the accomplishments of the street.”

Through this RFA, MEPI seeks to fund programming that will spur economic growth across the MENA region. MEPI considers the following, long-term objectives critical to achieving this goal: Entrepreneurship increases; A conducive environment for trade, investment and business development exists; and Merit-based employment of target populations increases

MEPI welcomes applications from any registered U.S. or foreign non-profit organization; non-governmental organization; private institution; institutions of higher education (non-profit or for-profit); commercial entity; or small business with functional and regional experience in the areas of economic governance, organization strengthening, and entrepreneurship and workforce development in the MENA region. Applicants should specify their key competencies in these specific areas and outline their regional and country-specific expertise. Applicants may submit one proposal to each of the following program priority areas: Economic Advocacy; Skills Training and Opportunities for Aspiring Professionals and Entrepreneurs; Support for Commercial Development Organizations in the Maghreb

Applications should specify countries, activities, priority area(s), and partner organizations (if applicable). Proposals should provide particular detail on how activities will contribute to building the capacity of MENA-based organizations and entities and, where appropriate, capitalize on women’s and young people’s participation in the economy. Applicants should indicate explicitly how activities will achieve positive impact and how outcomes related to economic growth will be measured. Applications should present a realistic timeline and outline specific plans for how the activities will continue to have an impact after the award ends.

MEPI invites creative and detailed proposals that also factor in the contributions of underserved communities including women, people with disabilities, and youth as change-makers and contributors to economic advancement. In all projects, supporting local leadership of activities is essential.