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Japan-U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant

Overview

Grant typePrepaid grant
Proposal deadline Rolling (A concept paper must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of the project)
Funding opportunityInstitutional funding for U.S.-based institutions/organizations with 501(c)(3) status
BenefitsMaximum of $10,000

This grant aims to support nonprofit organizations to create and develop networks between the U.S. and Japan to help resolve common social issues. Projects that address one (or more) of the following thematic areas are especially welcome.

  1. Building a resilient society
    Efforts to meet global threats such as natural disasters, pandemics, and environmental pollution
    Examples: Disaster prevention, Post-disaster reconstruction, Pandemic and infectious disease control, Public health, Economic recovery, Environmental issues, Community development, etc.
  2. Developing an inclusive society
    Efforts to develop a more prosperous and vibrant society; efforts to overcome societal divisions
    Examples: Revitalization of local communities, Urban issues, Low birthrate and aging population, Women’s empowerment, Access for individuals, children, and families, Mental health, Art’s impact on social issues, etc.
  3. Creating a society enriched by science and technology
    Efforts to better understand and meet cultural and social needs resulting from advances in science and technology
    Examples: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Bioethics, Non-traditional Media, New communication methods, Effects of technology on work and life, Education, etc

**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 3 months prior to an application.

Grant Coverage

  1. Direct costs (reasonable costs directly related to the proposed project)
    1. Personnel & Honoraria: staff, guest speakers, etc.
    2. Travel and Per Diem: airfare, transportation, accommodation, and meals
    3. Conference Costs: venue rental, interpretation, etc.
    4. Report & Publication Costs: printing, web-related expenses, etc.
  2. Indirect costs (overhead): this grant can support IDC of up to 10% of the total direct costs supported by JF. Requests may be up to $10,000, inclusive of indirect costs.

*Please note: this grant cannot cover support for capital funds and endowment drives, rent, the procurement of equipment, etc.


Eligibility

  1. Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status will be accepted.
  2. JF will not support the same project beyond three years.
  3. Projects receiving grants from other JF programs (including JF Los Angeles) are not eligible for the Japan-U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant.

*If you have any questions about eligibility, please reach out to us at global_partnerships@jpf.go.jp.

JFNY will not consider proposals for the following:

  1. Japanese-language education programs; please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language grants
  2. Projects that are purely technical or scientific in nature
  3. Projects that include political activities, religious activities, or commercial activities
  4. Student exchange programs oriented around sightseeing

Requirements

Projects are required to have the following elements:

  1. Begin by March 31, 2023
  2. At least one symposium, conference, workshop, or seminar to support dialogue and networking
  3. U.S.-Japan collaboration
  4. 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:

  1. Demonstration of a fresh and innovative approach to the issue at hand
  2. Expected impact on the audience and broader community
  3. Ideas and/or participants that comprise a broad range of viewpoints (e.g. collaborative project involving both academics and practitioners)
  4. Organizational ability to carry out the project
  5. Importance for U.S.–Japan collaboration on the issue
  6. Inclusion of a broad spectrum of participants including ethnicity, gender, geography, and fields of expertise relevant to the project
  7. Sustainability of project beyond the grant period

Notes:

  1. Projects proposed by or involving collaboration with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) will be prioritized
  2. Ongoing and annual events will be given lower priority

How to Apply

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

For those organizations invited to submit a full application, applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Grant Application Cover Sheet – with signatures of the Authorized Representative and Project Director (two different individuals); we are currently accepting e-signatures.
  2. 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 this issue, (if applicable) how the project fits into/addresses one of the 3 thematic areas (“Building a resilient society”, “Developing an inclusive society”, and “Creating a society enriched by science and technology”)
    • Participating organizations and individuals
    • Details about intended audience
    • Methodology including project activities and project timeline
    • Dissemination plan, including plans to reach audience 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.
  3. CV of project director and key participants (including those receiving salary support or honoraria)
  4. 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
  5. Institutional information (including annual report, financial report/audit)
  6. Commitment letters from Japanese counterparts
  7. Detailed JF Budget Template with total project funding, total project cost, and amount and items requested from JF. Please see the template for more details.
    • 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 (example: $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 JF
    Note: JF CANNOT cover capital funds and endowment drives, rent, or the procurement of equipment

Please submit your concept paper to: global_partnerships@jpf.go.jp