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Japan America Society/Japan Society Capacity Building Grant 2025

GranteeJapan America Society of Alabama 
Project TitleJASA Membership Development and Expansion 
OutlineJASA is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its long-term sustainability by expanding membership, deepening engagement, and enhancing organizational capacity. Key initiatives include increasing student involvement through partnerships with universities, internships, and cultural programs; improving corporate membership by conducting direct outreach to better understand and communicate value; and broadening community engagement by expanding events and programs beyond Birmingham, particularly to north Alabama. JASA also aims to formalize and compensate key roles like Cultural Affairs Coordinator, strengthen governmental relationships to secure funding and recognition of Japan–Alabama ties, and implement a structured strategic planning process with clear goals and actions. Across all efforts, sustainability is expected to come from increased membership, stronger engagement, and diversified funding sources.
StateAL
GranteeJapan America Society of Kentucky 
Project TitleJapan/America Society of Kentucky Strategic Membership Development Plan 
OutlineTo strengthen its impact and long-term sustainability, JASK aims to grow both corporate and individual memberships, diversify revenue streams, and enhance cultural and business engagement. Key objectives include reinstating transition programs for Japanese executives,
building a stronger Japanese business network, expanding representation in underrepresented industries, re-engaging lapsed members, and increasing membership to 40% of Japanese-owned businesses by 2026, including bringing major stakeholders such as Toyota and Lexus dealerships into the network. These efforts will be supported through leadership engagement, staff incentives, and ongoing input from board members and stakeholders.
StateKY
GranteeJapan America Society of Colorado
Project TitleMarketing Strategies for Increased Engagement With the Community 
OutlineThis project aims to modernize infrastructure by integrating CRM, email, and website platforms, enhance connections among students, young professionals, and corporate/community leaders, and increase the overall value of membership through better communication and career development opportunities. Key activities include implementing a unified technology system with consultant support and dedicated staff oversight, launching mentorship events in collaboration with academic and corporate partners, and developing a structured internship program that connects students with opportunities offered by member organizations.
StateCO
GranteeJapan America Society of Chicago 
Project TitleStrengthening Financial and Organizational Capacity for Growth 
OutlineJAS Chicago participated in financial training to strengthen its sustainability framework, with the aim of improving operational efficiency, enhancing the financial literacy of management and staff, and expanding its corporate membership base.
StateIL
GranteeJapan America Society of Minnesota 
Project TitleBuilding Capacity on Two Fronts: Cultural Engagement and Financial Growth 
OutlineTo enhance sustainability, JAS Minnesota has hired a consultant to strengthen its corporate membership program and improve its financial systems. 
StateMN
GranteeJapan America Society of North Carolina
Project Title2025 JASNC Capacity Building Projects – Year 2  
OutlineJAS North Carolina has hired a consultant to further strengthen the organizational framework established through last year’s grant and to foster the organization’s growth. The organization is focusing on three areas to enhance sustainability: 1) Membership Development, 2) Income and Fundraising, and 3) Nonprofit Management and Governance.
StateNC