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Grassroots Exchange Discretionary Grants

Overview

Proposal deadlineClosed.
Funding opportunityInstitutional funding
BenefitsMaximum of $10,000 for up to 12 months

The Grassroots Exchange Discretionary Grant program aims to support nonprofit organizations to create and develop networks between the US and Japan focused on common social issues. Examples of relevant social issues include but are not limited to: aging society, disaster prevention and recovery, and social entrepreneurship.

This program was conducted from 2008 to 2021.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for projects that commence between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Concept papers will be accepted on a rolling basis and applicants will be notified if invited to submit a full proposal 1-2 months after concept paper review.

  • Applicants must demonstrate commitments for the project from Japanese counterparts
  • Concept papers must be submitted AT LEAST 3 months prior to the project’s starting date
  • Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status
  • A MINIMUM of 20% of the total project budget must be secured from non-CGP sources
  • Request may be up to $10,000, inclusive of indirect costs
  • Previous CGP grantees are eligible to apply again if the proposed project demonstrates significant progress building upon the successes of the previous project. However, no organizations will be funded for more than three consecutive years

Priorities

  • Network building projects that have the potential to sustain itself beyond the period of the grant
  • Projects that will disseminate their findings to the larger field or audience
  • Projects proposed by or involving collaboration with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)

Application Process

For the Grassroots Exchange Discretionary Grants program, a concept paper is required prior to submission of a full application. Upon review of the concept paper, applicants will be notified if invited to submit a full proposal one month after concept paper review. Applicants will be notified of the funding decision 1-2 months after formal submission of the full proposal. The concept paper should be submitted AT LEAST 3 months prior to the project’s starting date. Electronic submission is accepted. The concept paper should include at the least:

  • Narrative of 2-3 pages (no maximum), including overall objective and description of the project
  • Brief timeline including major project activities
  • Names of primary participating individuals and organizations both in the US and Japan
  • Amount of request and budget estimate

After invitation, a hard copy of the signed full proposal should be submitted. Before applying, please refer to the application checklist.

The full proposal should include at the least:

  1. CGP Grant Application Cover Sheet – with original signatures of Authorized Representative and Project Director (two different individuals)
  2. Narrative description of the project. Must include project rationale, project timeline and activities, and anticipated impact, including number of people served by the project.
  3. CV of project director and key participants
  4. Proof of 501(c)3 status
  5. Institutional information (including annual report, financial report/audit)
  6. Commitment letters from Japanese counterparts
  7. Detailed CGP Budget Template with total project revenue, total project cost, and amount and items requested from CGP
  • A minimum of 20% of the total project budget must be secured from non-CGP sources such as the applying institution or other foundations
  • Direct costs (reasonable project costs directly related to the proposed project) should be itemized. Examples of direct costs include travel, per diem, publication costs, conference room rental fees, etc.
  • Indirect costs (overhead) will only be supported up to 10% of the total direct costs
  • Costs NOT covered include support for capital funds and endowment drives, rent and the procurement of equipment

List of Past Awardees