Overview
| Grant type | Prepaid grant |
|---|---|
| Proposal deadline | Rolling (must be submitted at least 2 months prior to the start date of the project) |
| Funding opportunity | Institutional funding for U.S.-based institutions/organizations with 501(c)(3) status |
| Benefits | up to $7,000 |
The Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Events and Festivals supports projects that organize cultural events and festivals related to Japan, aiming to deepen understanding about Japan within local communities, promote cross-cultural exchange, and nurture global perspectives. This grant program is designed to support grassroots, community-driven initiatives that bring Japanese culture to local audiences. Successful projects are awarded up to $7,000.
Project examples include, but are not limited to:
1. Hands-on workshops/lectures on Japanese culture for students and communities led by professionals
2. Japanese festivals and cultural events designed to attract a wide audience
Deadline:
Applications are due 2 months prior to the project’s start date.
Applicants will receive notification of the funding decision 1-2 months after submission.
Grantee Highlights
Grant Coverage
Direct costs (reasonable costs directly related to the proposed project).
- Honoraria: lectures, guest speakers, etc
- Travel and Per Diem: airfare, transportation, accommodation, and meals, etc
- Conference Costs: venue rental, interpretation, etc
- Report & Publication Costs: printing, advertising-related costs. etc
A minimum of 20% of the total project budget must be secured from non-JF sources such as the applying institution or other foundations.
Please note: this grant cannot cover indirect costs, support for capital funds and endowment drives, rent, the procurement of equipment, etc.
Eligibility
Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status will be accepted.
JFNY will not consider proposals for the following:
- Individuals and for-profit entities
- Projects receiving funding through other Japan Foundation programs (including JF Los Angeles) in the current fiscal year (April 2026 – March 2027)
- Organizations that have received a JFNY Education Grant or Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events for three consecutive years
- Japanese-language education programs; please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language grants
- Projects that take place outside of the U.S.
- Projects that are purely technical or scientific in nature
- Projects that include political activities, religious activities, or commercial activities
- Study tours and research trips
Priorities
This grant program prioritizes projects that:
- Reach underserved schools and communities with little exposure to Japan, particularly in the Midwest, Mountain, and South regions*
*Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI);
Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY);
South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV) - Reach a significant number of students, educators, or community members
- Involve individuals and organizations new to the field of K-12 education on Japan
- Connect with local resources such as museums, higher education institutions, Japan-America Societies, Japanese businesses, and the resident Japanese community of families, students, and professionals
- Demonstrate innovation and potential for replication in other regions
Ongoing and annual events will be given lower priority. Projects that reach only a limited audience will also be considered lower priority.
Review Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed on:
- Expected impact on the audience and broader community
- Organizational ability to carry out the project
- Rationale for the need of JFNY support, and cost efficiency of budget
- Sustainability of project beyond the grant period
How to Apply
JF is accepting the Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events applications through our online portal. Please download and complete the Budget Sheet and submit it with the online application.
Application Materials
- Complete the online Grant Application form.
• Authorized Representative and Project Director must be two different individuals, and from the applying institution.
• When selecting a Grant Period, please keep in mind that all payments and reimbursements must be made within these dates. - Narrative Description of the Project
• Free form, up to 10 pages
• Please describe your project in as much detail as possible. The narrative must include all of the following:
– Project background, rationale, and objectives
– Participating organizations and individuals
– Intended audience
– Methodology including project activities and project timeline
– Dissemination plan
– Anticipated impact including number of people served, and outcomes/outputs
– Status of preparation
– Budget justification
– Future plans for sustainability of the project - Curriculum Vitae of the project director, and biography of key participants and individuals receiving personnel or honoraria costs
- Proof of tax-exempt status
• Please submit a copy of your IRS determination letter indicating that the organization is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code - Institutional information (e.g., the most recent annual report and/or the most recent IRS Form 990)
- Detailed budget
• Please use the excel budget included in the Application and fill out the “Applicant Budget” tab.
• Please provide a detailed breakdown for each line item (for ex: $X * Xpp * X days). Amounts must be rounded down to the nearest cent.
• The breakdown should correspond to the Amount Requested from JF.
• Budget requests should be explained in the narrative.
• Indicate a minimum of 20% cost-share from sources other than JFNY, such as the applying institution, collaborating institution, and/or other sources.
For questions, please contact GEEprogram@jpf.go.jp