Opportunity Information: Apply for NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409
Apply for NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409
- The Middle East Partnership Initiative in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New Empowerment Communication Technologies Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.500 Middle East Partnership Initiative.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 29, 2009 and posted on Sep 24, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 23, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $5,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Small businesses.
- Eligible applicants include any U.S. or foreign non governmental organization, and U.S. or foreign private institutions or commercial entities. Applicants should have proven success operating with various interlocutors in the region, or, in the alternative, should have a logical business plan for doing so that draws on the proven success in this regard of a partner organization or private sector entity. Applicants must have proven expertise working with existing technologies that they propose to develop or leverage, including strategy and product development, content engagement and deployment.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The "New Empowerment Communication Technologies Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa" grant is a Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding opportunity designed to support pilot projects that use modern communication technologies to connect people across the MENA region, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement. The opportunity grew out of President Obama's June 4, 2009 Cairo speech calling for a "new beginning" in U.S. relations with Muslim communities worldwide, including expanded support for online learning, networking, and partnerships. The core idea is to leverage internet- and mobile-based tools to strengthen civic participation, expand civil society and independent media capacity, and improve access to online education and training.
The program is looking for implementers that can educate, train, organize, and empower participants through technology-driven approaches. The solicitation explicitly points to tools such as social networking platforms, digital video conferencing, interactive online learning systems, widgets, wiki-style collaboration functions, mobile applications, and blogging. Projects are expected to translate technology into practical outcomes, such as increased civic and political participation, womens and youth empowerment, and support for economic and social entrepreneurship. A recurring theme is reaching groups that are typically harder to engage, including previously unengaged populations and younger audiences who are often more connected through phones and online communities.
Proposals are expected to align with one of three priority areas. The first is social networking, which can include building or adapting platforms, delivering training on how to use them effectively, creating applications, or developing program modules that help communities connect and mobilize around civic or social goals. The second priority area is increasing new media capabilities for civil society, focusing on building information technology and digital communications capacity among individuals, civil society organizations, NGOs, and independent media outlets. The third priority area is enhancing online learning, which emphasizes improving access to quality online curricula and training resources and strengthening how those materials are disseminated and used, especially for activists, thought leaders, and civil society actors who benefit from scalable, remote learning.
The announcement favors proposals that make smart use of existing resources rather than reinventing everything from scratch. Applicants are encouraged to maximize the reach of tools and assets that already exist, whether that means established technology infrastructure, proven content, expert networks, or on-the-ground organizational capacity. At the same time, NEA/PI signals that it wants genuinely innovative efforts that test technological boundaries, either by developing cutting-edge tools or scaling promising solutions in ways that broaden impact. Partnerships are particularly welcomed, especially those that combine public sector, private sector, and nongovernmental strengths, for example pairing a civic organization with a tech company, a university, or a media partner to improve implementation and sustainability.
Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement, which generally means the government expects to have substantial involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant. The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409) anticipated about five awards, with total estimated funding of $5,000,000. Individual awards were expected to range from $500,000 (floor) to $2,500,000 (ceiling). There was no cost sharing or matching requirement listed, which lowers the barrier for organizations that may not be able to contribute significant non-federal funds. The original and current closing date for applications was October 23, 2009, and the opportunity was posted on September 24, 2009, later archived on November 22, 2009.
Eligibility was broad and included U.S. or foreign nongovernmental organizations, private institutions, and commercial entities, including nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), institutions of higher education (public or private), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. Beyond basic eligibility, the announcement stresses capability and credibility: applicants should have demonstrated success working with relevant interlocutors in the region, or present a realistic plan to do so backed by partners with proven regional experience. Applicants also needed proven expertise with the technologies they proposed to use or develop, including strategy, product development, content engagement, and deployment, signaling that the program was looking for teams that could actually build, run, and sustain tech-enabled civic or educational initiatives rather than merely proposing concepts.
Overall, this grant opportunity can be summarized as an effort to fund pilot, tech-forward programs in the MENA region that use mobile and online tools to grow civic engagement, strengthen civil society and independent media digital capacity, and expand access to online learning. It seeks implementers that can blend innovation with practical delivery, prioritize scalable approaches, and form cross-sector partnerships that increase reach, credibility, and long-term usefulness of the technology and training provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "New Empowerment Communication Technologies Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa" grant?
It is a Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding opportunity intended to support pilot projects that use modern communication technologies (especially internet- and mobile-based tools) to connect people across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a strong emphasis on youth engagement.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The program aims to leverage communication technologies to strengthen civic participation, expand civil society and independent media capacity, and improve access to online education and training across the MENA region.
How does this opportunity relate to broader U.S. policy goals mentioned in the announcement?
The opportunity grew out of President Obama's June 4, 2009 Cairo speech calling for a "new beginning" in U.S. relations with Muslim communities worldwide, including expanded support for online learning, networking, and partnerships.
What kinds of projects does the program want to fund?
The solicitation looks for implementers that can educate, train, organize, and empower participants through technology-driven approaches. Projects should translate technology into practical outcomes such as increased civic and political participation, women's and youth empowerment, and support for economic and social entrepreneurship.
Which audiences or participants are emphasized?
The opportunity emphasizes youth engagement and repeatedly highlights reaching groups that are typically harder to engage, including previously unengaged populations and younger audiences who are often more connected through phones and online communities.
What types of technologies or tools are explicitly mentioned as relevant?
The announcement points to tools such as social networking platforms, digital video conferencing, interactive online learning systems, widgets, wiki-style collaboration functions, mobile applications, and blogging.
What are the three priority areas proposals are expected to align with?
Proposals are expected to align with one of three priority areas: (1) social networking, (2) increasing new media capabilities for civil society, or (3) enhancing online learning.
What does the "social networking" priority area include?
This area can include building or adapting social networking platforms, delivering training on how to use them effectively, creating applications, or developing program modules that help communities connect and mobilize around civic or social goals.
What does the "increasing new media capabilities for civil society" priority area focus on?
It focuses on building information technology and digital communications capacity among individuals, civil society organizations, NGOs, and independent media outlets.
What does the "enhancing online learning" priority area emphasize?
It emphasizes improving access to quality online curricula and training resources and strengthening how those materials are disseminated and used, especially for activists, thought leaders, and civil society actors who benefit from scalable, remote learning.
Is the program more interested in brand-new tools or using existing resources?
The announcement favors proposals that make smart use of existing resources rather than reinventing everything from scratch. Applicants are encouraged to maximize the reach of tools and assets that already exist, such as established technology infrastructure, proven content, expert networks, or on-the-ground organizational capacity.
Does the opportunity still encourage innovation?
Yes. While it encourages building on existing assets, it also signals interest in genuinely innovative efforts that test technological boundaries, either by developing cutting-edge tools or scaling promising solutions to broaden impact.
Are partnerships encouraged?
Yes. Partnerships are particularly welcomed, especially those that combine public sector, private sector, and nongovernmental strengths, such as pairing a civic organization with a technology company, a university, or a media partner to improve implementation and sustainability.
What type of funding instrument is used?
Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement, which generally means the government expects to have substantial involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated about five awards.
What was the total estimated funding amount?
Total estimated funding was $5,000,000.
What was the expected range for individual award amounts?
Individual awards were expected to range from $500,000 (floor) to $2,500,000 (ceiling).
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement was listed.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted on September 24, 2009. The original and current closing date for applications was October 23, 2009.
Is this opportunity still open?
No. The announcement indicates it was archived on November 22, 2009, and the application closing date was October 23, 2009.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was broad and included U.S. or foreign nongovernmental organizations, private institutions, and commercial entities, including nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), institutions of higher education (public or private), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses.
Were organizations required to be U.S.-based to apply?
No. The eligibility language includes both U.S. and foreign nongovernmental organizations.
Did applicants need regional experience in MENA?
The announcement stresses capability and credibility. Applicants should have demonstrated success working with relevant interlocutors in the region, or present a realistic plan to do so backed by partners with proven regional experience.
What kind of technology expertise was expected from applicants?
Applicants needed proven expertise with the technologies they proposed to use or develop, including strategy, product development, content engagement, and deployment, indicating the program sought teams able to build, run, and sustain tech-enabled civic or educational initiatives rather than only proposing concepts.
What outcomes does the solicitation expect technology to deliver?
It expects technology to be translated into practical outcomes, including increased civic and political participation, women's and youth empowerment, and support for economic and social entrepreneurship.
What is a concise summary of what this grant was trying to accomplish?
It was designed to fund pilot, tech-forward programs in the MENA region that use mobile and online tools to grow civic engagement, strengthen civil society and independent media digital capacity, and expand access to online learning, emphasizing scalable approaches and cross-sector partnerships.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Recovery Act 2009 Limited Competition AHRQ Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness (CHOICE) Grants (R01)
Previous opportunity: Annual Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Funding Opportunity Announcement
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Solid Waste ManagementGrant Apply for RDUP SWMGRANT 093009 FY20 Funding Number: RDUP SWMGRANT 093009 FY20 Agency: Utilities Programs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for RDUP TAT 09302009 FY10 Funding Number: RDUP TAT 09302009 FY10 Agency: Utilities Programs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2010 Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars Apply for ECA A E USS 10 02 04 Funding Number: ECA A E USS 10 02 04 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $360,000 |
| BLM NV Ely DO 2009 Round 3 Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative Apply for BLM NV RFIP 09 1430 Funding Number: BLM NV RFIP 09 1430 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| 2010 NATIONAL NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM Apply for DHS USCG 2010 012 01 Funding Number: DHS USCG 2010 012 01 Agency: Transportation Security Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Proposals Malaysia Programs Apply for DRL 09 MALAYSIA 100209 Funding Number: DRL 09 MALAYSIA 100209 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Global Request for Proposals (AF, EAP, EUR, NEA, SCA, and WHA) Apply for DRL 09 GLOBAL 100509 Funding Number: DRL 09 GLOBAL 100509 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,600,000 |
| INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Apply for USAID UGANDA APS 617 10 001 Funding Number: USAID UGANDA APS 617 10 001 Agency: Uganda USAID Kampala Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Track II Dialogue on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula Apply for 20091019EAP Funding Number: 20091019EAP Agency: Bureau of East Asian Pacific Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $99,000 |
| FY 2010 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting refugees in Kenya Apply for PRM AFR 10 CA AF 10202009 HORN Funding Number: PRM AFR 10 CA AF 10202009 HORN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PRM NGO Projects in Rwanda/Tanzania Apply for PRM AFR 10 CA AF 102209 GREATLAKES Funding Number: PRM AFR 10 CA AF 102209 GREATLAKES Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Human Rights Defenders Fund Apply for DRL 09 HRDEFENDERS 102209 Funding Number: DRL 09 HRDEFENDERS 102209 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| NGO Programs in Sudan Benefiting Southern Sudanese Refugee Returnees and Receiving Communities Apply for PRM AFR 10 CA AF 102709 SUDAN Funding Number: PRM AFR 10 CA AF 102709 SUDAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY 2010 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting returning refugees in Afghanistan Apply for PRM ECA 10 CA SA 10302009 AFGHAN Funding Number: PRM ECA 10 CA SA 10302009 AFGHAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Production of Four Satellite/Internet Broadcasts and Three Stand Alone DVDs Apply for 10A59 Funding Number: 10A59 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| A Systems Approach for Workforce Performance Curriculum Development Apply for 10P07 Funding Number: 10P07 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| G/TIP FY2010 International Programs to Combat Trafficking in Persons Apply for AT ATC 10 002 010815 Funding Number: AT ATC 10 002 010815 Agency: Office to Monitor/Combat Trafficking in Persons Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY 2010 National Network for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS) Fellowship Program Apply for EPA EED 10 01 Funding Number: EPA EED 10 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute (Europe and Eurasia) and the Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute with Asia (Central and South Asia) Apply for ECA PE C PY 10 03 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 10 03 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $212,000 |
| Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program Apply for ECA A E NEA 10 02 Funding Number: ECA A E NEA 10 02 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NEAPI 09 CA 015 MENA 092409", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.