Delaware County, Pennsylvania, residents and supporters of the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP) are participating in the annual Delco Gives fundraising campaign, which began today and continues through May 7.
MERIP, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on research and analysis of the Middle East, relocated its base of operations to Delaware County in April 2024, following James Ryan’s appointment as executive director. The organization is among over 300 nonprofits participating in Delco Gives, a campaign organized by the Foundation for Delaware County.
The Foundation for Delaware County, established in 2017, serves as the community foundation for Delaware County, providing grants and support to local nonprofits addressing a range of issues including health, human services and education, according to its website. Delco Gives operates on a tiered matching gift system, where organizations receive bonus funds based on the number of unique donors they attract. A donation of $10 or more qualifies for the bonus pool.
MERIP is leveraging the campaign to bolster its operational capacity and expand its output. Last year’s Delco Gives campaign generated over $13,000 from more than 75 donors, funds Ryan stated were instrumental in launching the organization’s new website and the MERIP Podcast.
“That money allowed us to fund our new website and launch the MERIP Podcast – critical developments that have expanded our reach and deepened our impact as a publication,” Ryan said in a statement released today.
MERIP’s research covers a broad spectrum of topics related to the Middle East, including political economy, social movements, and conflict. The organization publishes articles, reports, and analysis on its website, and the podcast features interviews and discussions with scholars and experts. The organization states its mission is to provide independent reporting and analysis on the region.
Looking ahead to 2026, MERIP aims to increase the frequency of its publications and podcast releases, responding to ongoing developments in the Middle East. Ryan emphasized the importance of donor support in achieving these goals. Donations can be made through the MERIP website, the organization’s Delco Gives page, or by mail.
A closing celebration for Delco Gives is scheduled for May 7 at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, Pennsylvania, offering an opportunity for attendees to learn more about participating nonprofits.
