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Grant for U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program

Overview

Grant typePrepaid grant
Proposal deadlineJuly 12, 2024
Funding opportunityInstitutional funding for U.S.-based institutions/organizations with 501(c)(3) status
BenefitsMaximum of $30,000

This program aims to support the creation or/and expansion of Japan-themed programming and activities for local communities and beyond.

Proposed programming must be Japan-related; however, the types of events may vary (e.g., in-person workshop, online lecture, etc.) as well as the topics (e.g. culture, business, professional development, Japanese Studies etc. excluding Japanese Language). 

Additionally, JF values the sustainability and development of programming beyond JF support. A project that includes the establishment of a new position to design and implement the Japan-related programming through this grant program will be given higher priority.

Japanese Language or/and Japanese Studies departments at U.S. universities and U.S. based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that promote grassroots cultural exchange are welcome to apply.

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (ET), Friday, July 12, 2024

Join our Info session on May 7 at 2pm ET to learn about the Grant and how to apply.

Grantee Highlights

Grant Coverage

The grant amount is up to $30,000 and inclusive of up to ten percent (10%) of indirect cost of the actual direct costs JF supports.

  • Personnel (staff salary) & Honoraria (speaker etc.)
  • Travel (transportation costs) and Per Diem (hotels and meals)
  • Conference Costs (room rental, AV equipment rental etc.)
  • Report & Publication Costs (printing costs, etc.)

A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the total project budget must be secured from non-JF sources such as the applying institution, a collaborating institution, and/or other sources.

Eligibility

  1. Higher education institutions in the United States with Japanese Studies and/or Japanese language programs and organizations that promote grassroots cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan.
    ※Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code.
  2. The following organizations are not eligible:
    • JOI host sites for Year 21 (2023-2025) and Year 22 (2024-2026)
    • Japan America Societies/ Japan Societies

Requirements

Projects are required to have the following elements:

  1. Minimum of 10 total events, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, or activities that support dialogue and networking during the project period;
  2. Project length can be no longer than twelve (12) months;
  3. Projects must begin between September 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Preparation for the events (e.g. staff recruitment) may be included in the grant period;
  4. A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the total project budget must be secured from non-JF sources such as the applying institution, a collaborating institution, and/or other sources.

Priorities

Priorities will be given to the following:

  • Demonstration of impact and tangible outcomes;
  • Demonstration of fresh and innovative outreach activities;
  • Sustainability plan that is clearly articulated and extends well after JF support;
  • Attention towards underserved areas of the Midwest, South, and Mountain states as well as non-traditional audiences that have not been previously exposed to Japanese culture and topics;
  • Projects proposed by or involving collaboration with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and/or Community College;
  • Projects that collaborate with larger community in the region (K-12, universities, museums, businesses, Japan-related organizations, organization/institution in Japan etc.).

Proposals that are the same or very similar to previously supported projects will be given a lower priority. Additionally, ongoing projects will be given a lower priority unless a new aspect to the programming is demonstrated, such as expanding audience reach or increasing offerings.

How to Apply

Please download and read the guidelines prior to starting the application process. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EDT), July 12, 2024.

  1. Complete the online Grant Application form.
  2. Include the following attachments:
    • Narrative Description of the Project
    • Detailed Budget (use JF excel template)
    • Curricula Vitae for the Project Director and the JF supported staff member
    • Organization Information Form (use JF template)
    • Proof of 501(c)(3) status
    • Institutional Information

Applicants will be notified of the results in late August of 2024. For questions, please contact GEEprogram@jpf.go.jp

Past Awardees