JFNY: Grants for Arts & Cultural Exchange

JFNY: Grants for Arts & Cultural Exchange

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Japan Foundation, New York
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: March 15, 2026

Summary

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

Overview

NOTE: 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 other projects, applications must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the project start date. JFNY Grant for Arts & Culture This program provides support to non-profit organizations in the U.S. that organize projects that will further the understanding of Japanese arts and culture within the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains, plus Washington D.C. Successful projects generally take the form of performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops. 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Only submission from U.S. organizations with 501(C)(3) status will be acceptedProjects that take place within the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains, plus DC, regardless of the location of the applicant organizations.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 For projects to be held in the other thirteen states, please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.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.Grant CoveragePublicityPrinting costs of programs, leaflets, and catalogsHonoraria for artists and lecturersDomestic/international travel expenses for artists and lecturers, including per diem and accommodation expensesShipping costs of films, exhibits and/or other materials related to the proposed eventOnline 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.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.Review CriteriaArtistic quality of projectExpected impact on the audience and the U.S. arts sceneStrength of educational and community activitiesOrganizational ability to carry through with the projectCapacity to provide future continuity

Ineligibility

The Japan Foundation is unable to accept multiple applications for the same project.JFNY will not consider proposals from or for the following:Individuals and for-profit entitiesProjects that have already received funding through other Japan Foundation grants in the current fiscal yearIn principle, organizations that have received a JFNY Grant for Arts and Culture for three consecutive years, ending in the 2024-2025 fiscal yearJapanese-language education programs. Please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for Japanese-language education programs.Martial arts, medical, technical, or scientific projectsProjects that include political activities, religious activities, social welfare activities, and commercial activities