NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement

The NEA AC Regional Annual Program Statement is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination. This funding opportunity is designed as a broad intake mechanism for foreign assistance programs that align with U.S. strategic, economic, and diplomatic priorities in the Near East region. The program emphasizes advancing U.S. commercial diplomacy, strengthening economic partnerships, and promoting American business interests abroad. It is structured as an Annual Program Statement, meaning proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated periodically rather than through a single fixed deadline. The primary purpose of this program is to fund innovative projects that leverage foreign assistance as a tool of statecraft to advance U.S. economic security and geopolitical influence. Proposed activities must demonstrate how they will promote trade, catalyze private capital, and position U.S. businesses as preferred partners in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, infrastructure, and critical minerals. The program specifically prioritizes initiatives that increase U.S. exports, enhance market access, and reduce reliance on adversarial economic actors in partner countries. Funding is substantial, with approximately 190 million dollars available pending appropriations and individual awards ranging broadly depending on project scope. The program anticipates making between one and nine awards, with performance periods typically lasting between twelve and thirty six months. Funding instruments may include grants, cooperative agreements, or fixed amount awards, with cooperative agreements involving significant oversight and collaboration from the Department of State. Cost sharing is not required but is viewed favorably during evaluation and may be incorporated during project design discussions. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, allowing nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for profit companies, public international organizations, and governmental entities to apply. However, applicants must meet federal eligibility standards, including compliance with SAM.gov registration requirements for full applications and exclusion from federal debarment lists. Certain country specific requirements may apply depending on the project location, particularly in complex operating environments such as Iraq or Lebanon. The application process follows a two step structure. First, applicants must submit a concise one to three page Statement of Interest outlining their proposed concept, objectives, and alignment with program priorities. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full proposal for further review. Statements of Interest must be submitted through the MyGrants system, and new users must complete account registration and authentication before submission. The process is designed to reduce applicant burden by screening concepts prior to requiring full proposals. Evaluation is conducted through a multi step review process that includes responsiveness screening and a merit review panel. Applications are assessed based on quality of program idea, organizational capacity, and ability to achieve stated objectives. Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals and measurable outcomes that support economic growth, stability, and strategic partnerships. Awards are made on a rolling basis as funding becomes available, and selected applicants may receive feedback or be invited to refine their proposals through a co design process before final approval. The submission window for this funding opportunity runs from June 30 2026 through September 30 2026, with Statements of Interest accepted and reviewed monthly. Questions may be submitted to the designated program email on a recurring monthly schedule, and responses are published through the funding portal. Projects are expected to begin around October 1 2026, and recipients must comply with reporting, monitoring, and federal regulatory requirements throughout the award period.

Align proposals with U.S. economic and strategic priorities demonstrate measurable outcomes and clearly articulate how projects support American commercial interests and partnerships