MEPI ALUMNI GRANTS COMPETITION TUNISIA & ALGERIA

GRANT OVERVIEW
The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Alumni Chapters in Algeria and Tunisia are delighted to announce a pilot grant competition for small, creative, impact-based, short-term individual or group projects that correspond to overall and Tunisia/Algeria-specific MEPI priorities. Group projects integrating multiple MEPI Alumni are preferred. The small grant program aims to engage MEPI alumni from various professional, social, and demographic backgrounds who seek funding for small and innovative community-based projects.This unique opportunity will allow grantees to propose community-based projects related to MEPI priority areas in Tunisia and Algeria, including social entrepreneurship, youth, gender, civil society and education. In Algeria, we encourage proposals that focus on integration of women in the economy, youth entrepreneurship promotion, and reducing youth underemployment. In Tunisia, we encourage proposals that focus on elections, security, economic development,and youth employability. Groups may include members from Tunisia and/or Algeria and projects may focus on one or both countries.

SIZE OF AWARD AND LENGTH OF GRANT

The Alumni Chapters may award grants of up to $5000 to at least 14individual or group applicants. Groups may be as large as six individuals, and while non-alumni may be included in group applications, MEPI alumni must comprise at least 50% of any group.Projects must be completed in six months or less, and results and outcomes have to be properly reported and communicated to the relevant Alumni Chapter. Successful applications will be invited to present their projects at MEPI Alumni Chapter networking events.Grant should be expended on project implementation primarily and cannot be used to purchase electronic equipment, office furniture and other office equipment.

ELIGIBILITY
This competition is open to MEPI ALUMNI in Tunisia and Algeria.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants are required to submit a project proposal (see template) in which they outline: the need for and importance of the project, methods they intend to employ to address the problem(s), a strategy for evaluation and progress monitoring, a budget, and a description of key personnel. A committee comprised of Alumni Chapter staff and Steering Committee members in Tunisia and Algeria will review all applications and recommend selected projects to MEPI. The project proposal should follow the following guidelines: (1) Description of project and its importance to MEPI priorities (20 points) (2) Importance of issue to the relevant stakeholders and communities (15 points) (3) Detailed implementation strategy (25 points) (4) Description of key personnel and CVs (5 points) (5) Progress Evaluation and Sustainability Plan (25 points) (6) Budget (10 points)
TIMELINE
Announcement of Small Grants Competition:February 13, 2014 Open Application Period: From February 13-March 13, 2014 Grant Selection and Notification: April 1,2014 Grant Implementation Period: from April 30,2014 to October30, 2014 Final report due on: 30 days after project completion

For further information, please email: Algeria:chaouche@aimsnorthafrica.org Tunisia:mepitunis@aimsnorthafrica.org.