Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program

Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Japan Foundation, New York
Amount: Up to US $30,000
Last Updated: July 14, 2025

Summary

The Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan. With grant amounts up to $30,000 for 12 months, eligible organizations can apply for projects in fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and more. The program prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and demonstrate sustainability, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities.

Overview

NOTE: If you would like to receive feedback on a project idea, please submit a concept note or a draft application with objective, method, and overview of project no later than Pre-Proposal deadline listed above. Submitting a concept note is not a requirement and does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded. Description Recognizing the importance of Japan America Societies (JAS/JS) in fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan on a grassroots level, Japan Foundation (JF) New York aims to support the JAS in its work during and beyond the pandemic with the Capacity Building Grant Program. In order to further strengthen JAS in the NAJAS network and to enhance their effectiveness in carrying out their mission, this program supports capacity building projects that demonstrate feasibility and organizational sustainability and will lead to organizational growth. Successful applicants will be awarded grants of up to $30,000 for up to 12 months. Project Categories JF welcomes proposed projects that fall under (but not limited to) one or more of the categories below. Fundraising Research and implement income generation plans that ensure sustainability and growth of the Society. Strategic PlanningDevelop a strategic plan/ Strategize and develop a plan that aims to build organizational capacity and ensures organizational leaders, board members and staff have a clear and unified understanding of the Society’s long-term goals and priorities beyond the pandemic. Public Relations Development Create and implement PR and marketing strategies that raise the visibility of the Society and lead to increased engagement with the community. Program Development Create and implement innovative programming that will contribute to overall organizational sustainability by reaching new and wider audiences Membership Development Create and implement a plan to increase membership and to strengthen the networking ability of the Society, expanding reach to other interest groups such as local businesses, Japan-related organizations, and young professionals. Professional Development Professional development programs for the Society’s leadership, staff, and volunteers that will enhance individual and/or group skill sets relevant to organizational growth and sustainability. Grant Coverage The grant amount is up to $30,000 and inclusive of indirect costs. Grant coverage is for up to 12 months. Personnel (staff salary) & Honoraria (web developer, consultant, speaker etc.)Travel (transportation costs) and Per Diem (hotels and meals)Conference Costs (room rental, interpretation fees, AV equipment rental etc.)Report & Publication Costs (editing, translating, printing costs, etc.) JF will support indirect costs of up to ten percent (10%) of the actual direct costs JF supports. Rent and other administrative costs are considered indirect costs by JF.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Japan America Societies/Japan Societies in the U.S. with 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code.RequirementsAt least one (1) tangible output that will lead to long-term outcomes and sustained positive impact in the organization and community such as: Strategic planning report that focuses on changes that will be implemented in the SocietyEvent (virtual or in-person: symposium, conference, workshop, etc.) Project must begin sometime between February 1, 2023 and March 31, 2023Preparatory activities that are relevant to the project can mark the beginning of the grant period. A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the total project budget must be secured from non-JF sources such as the applying organization, a collaborating institution, and/or other sources.Organizations that are currently receiving a Japan Foundation grant are eligible to apply as long as project activities and costs are completely separate from the current project.

Ineligibility

JF will not consider proposals for the following:Commercial activities;Political activities, election campaigns, or religious activities;Activities in support of specific doctrines or claims;Language education programs;Tourist-oriented programs. JF will not consider the following items for support:Capital fund and endowment drives, debt reduction, or the creation or support of awards or grants;Operating costs unrelated to the project being supported;Design, construction, or maintenance of buildings or monuments;Procurement of equipment (including software) or purchase of land.