Global Partnerships: Grant Small

The Japan-U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant, offered by the Japan Foundation, New York, supports grassroots initiatives that foster collaboration between U.S. and Japanese organizations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects addressing common global concerns, with a focus on networking and dialogue. Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions with 501(c)(3) status. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits, involve U.S.-Japan collaboration, and secure at least 20% of the budget from non-JFNY sources.

NOTE: Concept papers are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted 3 months prior to an application.
Japan-U.S. Global Partnerships Small Grant
Grant Type: Prepaid grantFunding opportunity: Institutional funding for U.S.-based institutions/organizations with 501(c)(3) statusBenefits: 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.
Projects are required to have the following elements:

• Begin by March 31, 2025
• 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

Eligibility

Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status will be accepted. Grant CoverageDirect costs (reasonable costs directly related to the proposed project).Personnel & Honoraria: staff, guest speakers, etc Travel (International, Domestic): airfare, transportation, accommodation, and meals Conference Costs: venue rental, interpretation, etc 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. Requests may be up to $10,000, inclusive of indirect costs.Review CriteriaProposals will be reviewed on:Demonstration of a fresh and innovative approach to the issue at handExpected impact on the audience and broader communityIdeas 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 projectImportance for U.S.–Japan collaboration on the issueInclusion of a broad spectrum of participants including ethnicity, gender, geography, and fields of expertise relevant to the projectSustainability of project beyond the grant period

Ineligibility

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 grantsProjects that are purely technical or scientific in nature Projects that include political activities, religious activities, or commercial activitiesActivities in support of specific doctrines or claims
Student exchange programs oriented around sightseeing or study abroad programsThis grant cannot cover support for capital funds and endowment drives, rent, the procurement of equipment, etc.