Overview
| Grant type | Prepaid grant |
|---|---|
| Proposal deadline | Rolling (A concept paper must be submitted at least 3 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 | Maximum of $10,000 |
This grant aims to support to create and develop networks between Japan and the U.S. on grassroots level, and to support Japan-U.S. collaborative efforts to help resolve issues of common concern. Projects that fit in one of the following two categories are eligible for consideration.
Category A: Creation or development of network(s) between Japan and U.S. organizations on grassroots level
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Develop a partnership between two organizations in Japan and the U.S. to deepen mutual understanding at the local level and build capacity for Japan-U.S. exchange
Category B: Japan-U.S. collaborative project that contributes to resolving an issue of common global concern and supports individuals who organize and participate in these projects
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Host symposium, conference, or workshop to support dialogue and networking on a specific issue of common global concern
- Create and develop a new project with sister city organizations around a shared issue (e.g., revitalization of local communities, aging population, environmental issue, peace study, etc.),
- Policy-oriented projects that explore contemporary issues common to Japan and the U.S. that involve cooperation among academics practitioners, civil servants, and civil society organizations
Please reach out to us with your project ideas; we can help guide you to the grant program that best suits your project.
Deadline: Concept papers are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of the project.
Grant Coverage
Requests may be up to $10,000, inclusive of indirect costs
- Direct costs (reasonable costs directly related to the proposed project)
- A. Personnel & Honoraria: staff, guest speakers, etc.
- B. Travel and Per Diem: airfare, transportation, accommodation, and meals
- C. Conference Costs: venue rental, interpretation, etc.
- D. Report & Publication Costs: printing, web-related expenses, etc.
- Indirect costs (overhead): this grant can support IDC of up to 10% of the total direct costs supported by JF.
*Please note: this grant cannot support 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.
- JF will not support the same project beyond three years.
- Projects receiving grants from other JF programs (including JF Los Angeles) are not eligible for the Japan-U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant.
JFNY will not consider proposals for the following:
- Japanese-language education programs; please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language grants
- Projects that are purely technical or scientific in nature
- Projects that include political activities, religious activities, or commercial activities
- Activities in support of specific doctrines or claims
- Student exchange programs oriented around sightseeing or study abroad programs
Requirements
Projects are required to have the following elements:
- Begin by March 31, 2026
- At least one symposium, conference, workshop, or seminar to support dialogue and networking
- U.S.-Japan collaboration
- Category A: Japan-based collaborator(s) involved throughout the entirety of the project is required
- Category B: Strong Japan component as a core of the project (e.g., participants and/or collaborators depending on the nature of the project) is required.
- A minimum of 20% of the total project budget secured from non-JFNY sources such as the applying institution or other sources
Review Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed on:
- Demonstration of a fresh and innovative approach to the issue at hand
- Expected impact on the audience and broader community
- Ideas and/or participants that comprise a broad range of viewpoints (e.g. collaborative project involving both academics and practitioners)
- Organizational ability to carry out the project
- Importance for Japan-U.S. collaboration on the issue or the initiative
- Inclusion of a broad spectrum of participants including ethnicity, gender, geography, and fields of expertise relevant to the project
- Rationale for the need of JFNY support, and cost efficiency of budget
- Sustainability of project beyond the grant period
Notes:
- Projects proposed by or involving collaboration with underrepresented populations (e.g. a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) will be prioritized
- Ongoing and annual events will be given lower priority
How to Apply
First Step: Concept Paper
Concept papers must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of the project and should include:
- Narrative of 2-3 pages (no maximum), including overall objective and description of the project
- Brief timeline of major project activities
- Names of primary participating individuals and organizations both in the US and Japan
- Amount of request to JF and budget item estimates
Please submit your concept paper to: global_partnerships@jpf.go.jp
JFNY will review the concept paper and will notify applicants whether they are invited to submit an application.
Second Step: Application
By invitation only. Applications must complete the form below and submit the following
materials through online form:
- 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 (up to 10 pages) should include:
- Project background
- Rationale and objectives, including why Japan-U.S. collaboration is important to the issue or the initiative
- Participating organizations and individuals
- Details about intended audience
- Methodology including project activities and project timeline
- Dissemination plan, including plans to reach audiences beyond direct participants
- Anticipated impact including number of people served and outcomes/outputs
- Status of preparation
- Budget justification
- Plans for sustainability of the project beyond the grant period
- CV of project director and key participants (including those receiving salary support or honoraria)
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status
- Please submit a copy of the submitting institution’s IRS determination letter indicating tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Institutional information (including annual report, financial report/audit)
- JFNY Budget Template with total project funding, total project cost, and amount and items requested from JFNY. Please see the template for more details.
- Please use the excel budget provided by JFNY and fill out the “Applicant Budget” tab
- Please provide a detailed breakdown for each line item (e.g. $X * X pp * X days)
- Indicate a minimum of 20% cost-share from sources other than JF, such as the applying institution, collaborating institution, and/or other sources
- Indirect costs (overhead) of up to 10% of the total direct costs supported by JFNY
- Note: JFNY CANNOT cover capital funds and endowment drives, rent, or the procurement of equipment
- Commitment letters
Category A: a commitment letter from Japan-based collaborative partners is required.
Category B: a commitment letter from the individuals or collaborating organization related to Japan is required. However, if the nature of the project necessitates participants be decided at a later point in the project, then commitment from those participants is not required at the time of application.
For questions, please contact: global_partnerships@jpf.go.jp