Recently Closed Announcements

Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Chapters (Closed July 17, 2011)

The MEPI Alumni Network will connect a group of local MEPI Alumni Chapters (single or multi-country) that together provide coverage for the entire region where MEPI operates. Through this MEPI Alumni Network, we hope to support and strengthen MEPI alumni and their commitment to and engagement in civic activism, creating an environment where MEPI alumni can work together to bring positive change to the region using and expanding upon the skills acquired through their various MEPI experiences.This open competition was a follow-on to the Request for Applications for “Establishing Local MEPI Alumni Chapters” which was open for applications on April 15 – May 30. MEPI saught to establish Local Chapters of the MEPI Alumni Network in the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen. Eligible applicants include any registered non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and institutions of higher education (such as colleges and universities). 

UPDATE: MEPI is pleased to announced the signing of 11 new grant awards to launch Local Alumni Chapters in the Middle East and North Africa.  Congratulations to the following organizations:

4points Group for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Iraq

Association 4 Women Total Advancement and Development (AWTAD) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Egypt

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapters Kuwait, Oman, and the West Bank and Gaza (3 grants total)

Bahraini American Cultural Exchange Society (BACES) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Bahrain

Institute for Leadership Excellence (ILE) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Jordan

Lebanese Development Network (LDN) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Lebanon

New Israel Fund/Shatil for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Israel

Moroccan Center for Civic Education (MCCE) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Morocco

Youth Leadership Development Foundation (YLDF) for the MEPI Local Alumni Chapter in Yemen

Political Process Strengthening (Closed November 17, 2010)

MEPI seeks applications in support of its goal of building participatory societies where citizens have the regular opportunity to play an active role in making decisions that affect their lives and in holding their governments accountable. Proposals should present programs that strengthen democratic practices, electoral systems, political parties, and/or transparency in government across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Proposals should assist MEPI in fostering political processes and institutions that encourage effective participation, giving attention to: A) Governance, Transparency, and Accountability; or B) Political Process Strengthening, including Women’s Political Development and Public Confidence in the Electoral Process. To view the full announcement, please click here. To apply for this announcement, please visit the grants.gov application for this opportunity.


Supporting Civic Activism and Advocacy (Closed November 22, 2010)

MEPI seek applications that support civic activism and advocacy efforts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MEPI’s core objectives include building more participatory societies where citizens have the opportunity to play active roles in making decisions that affect their lives, and in holding their governments accountable. Projects should assist activists and organizations in developing sustainable tools and methods that will increase their capacity for impact – ideally, on policy outcomes and political freedom.  To view the full announcement, please click here. To apply for this announcement, please visit the grants.gov application for this opportunity.


Strengthening the Rule of Law (Closed November 19, 2010) 

MEPI seeks applications that encourage and promote the Rule of Law in the Middle East and North Africa. Countries that adhere to the Rule of Law grant their citizens fair and equal access to accountable and impartial judicial systems. The Rule of Law encompasses more than just legal professionals, and, as such, MEPI is seeking projects that give all citizens an opportunity to participate in, promote, and benefit from the adherence to the Rule of Law and a legal environment that protects citizens and civil society from arbitrary government action. To view the full announcement, please click here. To apply for this announcement, please visit the grants.gov application for this opportunity.

UPDATE:  MEPI is pleased to announce the signing of two new grant awards totaling $2.6 million to advance the rule of law in the Middle East and North Africa.

$1 million was awarded to Equal Access, a US-based NGO focused on youth engagement, to launch the RIGHTS Initiative in Yemen. The project is designed to create national and interactive conversations through youth-oriented media, roundtable forums and participatory theater that will empower youth to take ownership, exercise, and defend their rights.

The American Bar Association is receiving $1.6 million to work on Continuing Legal Education in the Gulf, which will provide resources and training to enhance the practical skills and knowledge of lawyers and judges in the region. It will also foster the standardization of legal processes in these countries and build networks among legal professionals in the region.