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 $5,000 (2023 average: US$3,000) |
The Education Grant program supports projects from nonprofit organizations that will assist K-12 students, teachers, and the community deepen their understanding about Japan, promote cross-cultural exchange, and nurture global perspectives. Successful projects are awarded up to $5,000.
Project examples include:
1. Educational outreach projects, such as lectures about Japanese culture and society or teacher workshops on how to teach Japanese culture and society.
2. Cultural events such as performances, exhibitions, festivals, movie screenings, readings, and demonstrations of Japanese arts; must include an educational outreach component (e.g. interactive presentations, lectures, workshops)
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).
- Personnel & Honoraria: staff, guest speakers, etc
- Travel (International, Domestic): airfare, transportation, etc
- Per Diem: accommodation, meals
- 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
- Project must commence between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Preparatory activities can be included in the time frame of the project.
- Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status will be accepted.
Previous Education Grant awardees are eligible to apply again if the proposed project includes a new target audience and/or contains substantial changes. However, JF will not support the same project beyond three years. Moreover, projects receiving grants from other JF programs (including JF Los Angeles) are not eligible for the Education Grant.
JFNY will not consider proposals for the following:
- Japanese-language education programs; please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language education programs
- Medical or scientific research-focused projects
- Projects that include political activities, religious activities, social welfare activities, and commercial activities
- Study tours and research trips to Japan
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 are less priority. Projects that are limited to the scope of a single school or single day will also be considered less of a priority.
How to Apply
JF is accepting Education Grant 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 (annual report, etc.)
- 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