Information

Guidelines

The Open Society Institute (OSI) Middle East & North Africa Initiative welcomes grant proposals from organizations around the world in accordance with its project aims. Those aims are to support organizations and their projects to foster the areas of freedom of expression, access to information, women's rights, development of the rule of law, local governance, and educational reforms in the Middle East.

The Middle East & North Africa Initiative (MENA) particularly encourages proposals for projects related to:

• Protection of migrant workers by drawing on resources in sending and receiving countries
• Public oversight of government revenue and expenditure

Preference is given to local organizations on the ground in the region or initiatives that partner local and foreign organizations' expertise. MENA accepts proposals in Arabic, English, or French.

To Apply

The material attached below provides details on the program's funding restrictions. Application guidelines also are included. MENA strongly urges all organizations interested in applying to consult with OSI program staff prior to submitting a full proposal.

These guidelines were designed both to comply with United States law governing grant awards from the program and to ensure a comprehensive review of all applications. They are not meant to discourage applicants who have not sought funding from a foundation in the past. Should your proposal fall within MENA funding criteria but you have difficulty meeting particular requirements, the program would be happy to discuss any problems with you.

All applications must be made on behalf of organizations or groups, which may include, but are not limited to, informal coalitions, nongovernmental organizations, humanitarian aid, or other charitable organizations, and educational institutes. United States applicants must be tax-exempt within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. MENA usually does not accept applications for individual grants such as fellowships, scholarships, research, or travel grants.

Deadlines

Grants applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and will be considered for funding three times during 2008 according to the following schedule. Applicants will be notified of a decision within three weeks after the consideration date.