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JFNY Grant for Arts & Culture

Overview

Proposal deadlineRolling
Funding opportunityInstitutional funding for U.S.-based institutions/organizations with 501(C)(3) status
Funding Maximum$5,000 (average: US$2,000)

The Japan Foundation, New York office (JFNY) accepts applications from non-profit organizations for projects that take place within the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains, plus Washington D.C., listed below for the JFNY Grant for Arts & Culture on a rolling basis throughout the year. This grant aims to support projects that will further understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Successful projects are granted up to $5,000. This grant also supports online projects related to Arts & Cultural Exchange that incorporate issues pertaining to the COVID-19 global pandemic such as virtual exhibitions, virtual performances, film streaming, online conference as well as webinar. Priority will be given to those projects that have secured additional funding from sources other than the Japan Foundation, as well as projects that take place in areas where access to Japanese cultural events are relatively limited.

*Please note, there is a separate JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies.

Northeast: CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT

South: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Midwest: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI

Deadlines:

For online projects, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be received by JFNY at least 1 month prior to the project start date.
For in-person projects, and hybrid projects which includes both in-person and online components, applications must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the project start date.

Grant Coverage

  1. Publicity
  2. Printing costs of programs, leaflets, and catalogs
  3. Honoraria for artists and lecturers
  4. Domestic/international travel expenses for artists and lecturers, including per diem and accommodation expenses
  5. Shipping costs of films, exhibits and/or other materials related to the proposed event
  6. Online related costs (e.g. creating online contents, purchasing a domain, server fees, equipment rental fees, etc.)
    Note: JFNY only supports those services directly related to the grant project.
  7. Screening rights fee of films

Applicant should clearly indicate the items they wish to be covered by JFNY Grant funds in the budget proposal.

Please note: The applicant should cover costs for any receptions, if applicable. The grant will be paid in the form of a reimbursement for preceding expenses, and the award money will be remitted upon receipt of the final report and the appropriate proofs of payments.

Eligibility

  1. Only submission from U.S. organizations with 501(C)(3) status will be accepted
  2. Projects that take place within the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains, plus DC, regardless of the location of the applicant organizations. For projects to be held in the other thirteen states, please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.
  3. The purpose of the applicant’s project must be to nurture further understanding of Japanese arts and culture, or to produce U.S.-Japan collaborative projects, through performing arts, exhibitions, film screening, lectures, symposia, and other cultural events.

If your proposed project seeks to increase understanding of Japan through an educational component, please consider our Education Grant. Information for this grant program can be found here. The Japan Foundation is unable to accept multiple applications for the same project. If you are unsure to which program to apply, please contact us at NY_info@jpf.go.jp.

JFNY will not consider proposals from or for the following:

  1. Individuals and for-profit entities
  2. Projects that have already received funding through other Japan Foundation grants in the current fiscal year
  3. In principle, organizations that have received a JFNY Grant for Arts and Culture for three consecutive years, ending in the 2021-2022 fiscal year
  4. Japanese-language education programs. Please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language education programs.
  5. Martial arts, medical, technical, or scientific projects
  6. Projects that include political activities, religious activities, social welfare activities, and commercial activities

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed upon:

  1. Artistic quality of project
  2. Expected impact on the audience and the U.S. arts scene
  3. Strength of educational and community activities
  4. Organizational ability to carry through with the project
  5. Capacity to provide future continuity

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Complete application form. Please use the JFNY budget sheet format in the attachment.
  2. Proof of 501(C)(3) status
  3. Biographies of principal individuals involved in the project
  4. The most recent annual report of the applicant’s organization
  5. The most recent financial statement (i.e. Profit/Loss Statement, Audit Report, etc.  Please do not send tax forms.)
  6. Visual/audiovisual materials (CDs, DVDs, photos) of artist’s works, if applicable

Other relevant items may be included.

Please submit your application to JFNYgrantartsandculture@jpf.go.jp or to the address below.

Attn: Arts and Culture Section – JFNY Grant Application
The Japan Foundation, New York
1700 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10019

For Accepted Projects

Successful applicants must submit a final report, due one month after the completion of the project, along with the appropriate proofs of payments.

For further inquiries, please send to: JFNYgrantartsandculture@jpf.go.jp