Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapters | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapters

1) What is the "Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapters" funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding competition focused on building a region-wide alumni network by organizing people who previously participated in MEPI-funded programs into connected local chapters. The intent is to help MEPI alumni stay engaged, coordinate locally and across borders when useful, and continue applying skills gained through MEPI programming, including civic participation, leadership, and community development.

2) What is the main purpose of creating local alumni chapters?

The chapters are meant to turn a large, growing alumni community (reported by MEPI as more than 11,000 individuals) into a practical, connected system. MEPI frames this as a way to strengthen alumni commitment to civic activism and create real pathways for alumni to collaborate on initiatives that support positive change across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

3) Who is the target participant group for the chapters?

The chapters are specifically intended for MEPI alumni: individuals who previously participated in MEPI-funded programs. The grant is about organizing and supporting that existing alumni base, rather than recruiting a brand-new constituency unrelated to MEPI.

4) What geographic coverage is MEPI aiming for?

The program aims for full geographic coverage of MEPI operating areas by supporting the creation of local alumni chapters at the country level or through multi-country arrangements. The broader goal described is effectively 100 percent coverage across the eligible locations, achieved through a set of local chapters that collectively form the MEPI Alumni Network.

5) Which countries and territories are eligible to be covered by proposed chapters?

The eligible countries and territories listed are: 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.

6) Can an applicant propose a chapter that spans more than one country?

Yes. Applicants may propose either a single-country chapter or a multi-country chapter structure. Proposals should clearly identify the coverage area and demonstrate an ability to operate effectively in the country or countries included.

7) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes registered nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and institutions of higher education (colleges and universities). Both U.S.-based and non-U.S. organizations may apply.

8) Do applicants need to have an in-country presence?

Applicants are expected to show that they have an in-country presence or a credible way to operate on the ground in the country or countries covered by their proposal. This expectation applies whether the proposal is for a single-country chapter or a multi-country arrangement.

9) Are umbrella organizations encouraged to apply?

Yes. The solicitation encourages applications from umbrella organizations that can help establish and support local alumni chapters either through their own field presence or by issuing sub-awards to local partners.

10) If an umbrella organization applies, who holds the award agreement with MEPI?

Under the umbrella organization approach described, the umbrella organization would hold the grant agreement with MEPI while helping stand up chapters in one or more countries (including potentially through sub-awards to local partners).

11) Will MEPI only interact with the main award recipient?

No. The announcement indicates a cooperative, hands-on management approach. MEPI makes clear it intends to retain direct relationships with local chapters and alumni coordinators, and it notes that MEPI staff in Washington, DC and at U.S. embassies in the region may interact directly with local partners and sub-grantees in addition to the primary recipient.

12) What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary program, with funding provided through grants and/or cooperative agreements.

13) How many awards did MEPI anticipate making?

MEPI anticipated making up to 18 awards under this competition.

14) What was the estimated total funding available?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $3,000,000.

15) What is the expected size of individual awards?

Individual awards were expected to range from an award floor of $180,000 to an award ceiling of $375,000.

16) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

17) What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 19.500 (Middle East Partnership Initiative).

18) What is the funding opportunity number for this competition?

The funding opportunity number is NEAPI 11 AW 035 MENA 062111.

19) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on June 21, 2011, and it had a closing date of July 17, 2011. It was archived on August 16, 2011.

20) Was this a brand-new competition or connected to an earlier request?

It is described as a follow-on competition to an earlier Request for Applications for establishing local MEPI alumni chapters that ran from April 15 to May 30.

21) If an organization already applied during the earlier window, did it need to resubmit?

Organizations that already applied under the earlier window were told their applications were received and under review, and they did not need to resubmit unless they planned to change the focus of their proposal.

22) What key information were applicants instructed to include in their application?

Applicants were instructed to indicate the relevant priority area on the cover sheet and to specify whether they were proposing single-country or multi-country chapter coverage.

23) What kinds of outcomes or activities does MEPI emphasize for this program?

The program is centered on building sustainable alumni infrastructure. This includes creating local chapter structures, enabling coordination among chapters, and supporting ongoing civic engagement activities among MEPI alumni across the region. The framing also emphasizes continued alumni collaboration and ongoing application of civic participation, leadership, and community development skills.

24) What does MEPI mean by "region-wide" network building in this context?

In the context of this opportunity, region-wide network building means organizing alumni into a connected system of local chapters across MEPI operating areas, with the ability for chapters and alumni to collaborate across borders when that is useful, while still maintaining country-level or multi-country chapter structures.

25) How does the management style described affect implementation?

The announcement signals that implementers should be prepared for close coordination with MEPI, including potential direct engagement by MEPI staff in Washington, DC and by U.S. embassy staff in the region with local partners and sub-grantees. This suggests the implementer role includes maintaining strong operational links with MEPI and local stakeholders to keep the network active and connected.