Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapters

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The Middle East Partnership Initiative seeks to establish a network that connects all alumni of MEPI-funded projects. Currently, there are over 11,000 MEPI alumni and this number is growing daily. 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. Eligible Countries:MEPI is seeking 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: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) based in the eligible countries may apply for this funding opportunity. Any organization whose headquarters is located outside the eligible countries will not be considered. Further, all applicants must be legally registered organizations prior to applying to this RFA. MEPI will accept applications from organizations that fall into one of two categories. Applicants must indicate under which category they intend to apply: Category 1: Existing or newly established organizations applying to become MEPI Local Alumni Chapters (the sole purpose of the organization will be to support MEPI Alumni)OR Category 2: Organizations applying to establish MEPI Alumni Local Chapters as a part of their work (the organization has other projects and the establishment of the MEPI Alumni Local Chapter is only a part of its overall work). In this case, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be signed to govern the relationship between the applicant and the MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapter (See Appendix 1 for an Example MOU). Although the document will be reviewed by MEPI staff in Washington, D.C., the MOU is an agreement between successful applicants and Local Chapters. The MOU does not signify an agreement with any government. MEPI will work with both the Local Chapters and the successful applicants to ensure that the MOU is respected. Priority Areas�Applications for Single-Country and Multi-Country Chapters:All applicants, regardless of category, are welcome to apply to become a single-country or multi-country chapter. Applicants must indicate under which priority area intend to apply. While preference will be given to single-country chapters, we recognize that the circumstances are not conducive in all countries to create and sustain a Local MEPI Alumni Network chapter. Our goal is to provide 100% coverage for the entire Middle East and North Africa region to include all countries listed under �eligible countries� in this program announcement. Any organization applying to be a multi-country chapter will also automatically be considered for a single-country chapter in the country where the applicant is legally registered.

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