Establishing MEPI Alumni Network Local Chapters

archived

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. 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. 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 who may apply for this funding opportunity include any registered non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and institutions of higher education (such as colleges and universities.) All organizations, U.S. � based or foreign, are invited to apply for this RFA. Applicants should demonstrate that they have a presence in the country or countries for which they are applying. MEPI will accept applications from organizations applying to establish MEPI Alumni Local Chapters. We encourage applicants to apply as umbrella organizations in fostering the establishment of a Local MEPI Alumni Network Chapter for a single country or multiple countries. An organization acting as an umbrella will enter into a grant agreement with MEPI to create local chapters in one or more country through an on-the-ground presence or a sub-award. MEPI Washington will retain the ability to work directly with its local MEPI Alumni chapters and MEPI Alumni Coordinators, as outlined in the attached sample MOU. In addition, any organization acting as an umbrella should expect that MEPI staff in Washington DC and at U.S. embassies in the region will interact directly with partners on the ground and sub-grantees in addition to the selected umbrella organizations. This open competition is a follow-on to the Request for Applications for �Establishing Local MEPI Alumni Chapters� which was open for applications on April 15 � May 30. If an application has already been submitted under the April 15-May 30 RFA �Establishing MEPI Alumni Local Chapters,� please be assured that the application has been received and is under review. You do not need to resubmit an application under this RFA unless you are changing the focus of your proposal. Priority Areas -Applications for Single-Country and Multi-Country Chapters: All applicants are welcome to apply to become a single-country or multi-country chapter. Please indicate on the Cover Sheet (See Appendix 2) the Priority Area under which the organization applying.

High