Press Releases

MEPI Small Grants Program Grows by 91 Percent

An important component of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) aimed exclusively at supporting small projects by local groups that will contribute to the democratic growth and changes in their countries grew dramatically this year.  From November 2005 through September 2006, a wide range of local groups sought support for their project ideas from the MEPI Small Grants Program through applications submitted to U.S. Embassies.  In the eight countries covered by the MEPI Regional Office in Abu Dhabi - Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen - a total of 24 project proposals totaling $711,838 were approved; a 91 percent increase in this program's funding to these eight countries from the previous round.   

"This program's growth shows that are plenty of local groups and individuals eager to contribute to democratic growth across this part of the region, and that they welcome the support the U.S. is willing to lend to their project ideas," said Hans Wechsel, the MEPI Regional Office Director.  "It was great to see so many local groups coming forward with so many different kinds of project ideas important to democratic growth - such as civic engagement and education, strengthening the abilities and freedom of the press, and empowering women politically and economically," he added.  

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) was launched by President Bush 2002, and in four years has devoted more than $293 million to programs in the region that support the spread of democracy, the growth of economies, the improvement of education, and the empowerment of women.