NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement
The NEA/AC seeks proposals for innovative foreign assistance projects that advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic goals by promoting American business and market-driven development in partner countries.
Funder: Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
Due Dates: June 30, 2026 (SOI window opens) | September 30, 2026 (SOI window closes)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding: $190,000,000 | Award size: $250,000–$30,000,000 | Project duration: 12–36 months
Summary: Supports innovative foreign assistance programs in the Near East and North Africa that advance U.S. commercial diplomacy, economic, and security interests.
Key Information: Statements of Interest (SOI) must be submitted through MyGrants; full proposals by invitation only.
Description
This opportunity, administered by the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) at the U.S. Department of State, seeks Statements of Interest (SOI) for foreign assistance programs that benefit partner countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The program is designed to leverage U.S. foreign assistance as a tool of statecraft, advancing U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives while promoting American enterprise, infrastructure, and private capital investment.
Proposals should focus on catalyzing trade (not aid), fostering market principles, and positioning U.S. businesses and technology as preferred partners in the region. Priority sectors include energy, trade facilitation, emerging technologies (especially AI and telecommunications), critical infrastructure (aviation, 5G, transport, space), critical minerals, regional economic integration, advanced manufacturing, workforce training, and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas.
The SOI process is the first step in a two-stage application; only selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
