Grant Program for Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building

Grant Program for Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building is sponsored by The Japan Foundation, New York. This program provides funding to strengthen the organizational capacity, sustainability, and long-term growth of Japan America Societies and Japan Societies across the United States.

Grant Program for Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building – The Japan Foundation, New York Grant Program for Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building This program aims to support the JAS in its Capacity Building effort.

To enhance their effectiveness in carrying out their mission, this program supports 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.

Concept Paper Form Deadline (required): August 7, 2026 Full Application Deadline (by invitation only): September 30, 2026 Join our info session on June 17 at 2:00 p. m. (EDT) to learn more about the grant and how to apply.

JF welcomes proposed projects that fall under (but not limited to) one or more of the categories below. Income and Fundraising. Research and implement income generation plans that ensure sustainability and growth of the Society.

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 and dissemination channels, including digital ones, that will contribute to overall organizational sustainability by reaching new and wider audiences. Membership Development.

Create and implement a plan to increase membership and 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. Not-For-Profit management and Governance. Enhance personnel management within the Society, to include continuity and succession planning, as well as board utilization and engagement.

The grant amount is up to $30,000 and inclusive of indirect costs. Amounts will be decided after reviewing the project in terms of scale and necessity. 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. 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.

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.

Organizations that have received the Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program grant for three consecutive years (2023–2025) are not eligible. JF will not consider proposals for the following: Political activities, election campaigns, or religious activities; Activities in support of specific doctrines or claims; Language education programs.

*If you are interested in language education grants, please visit the JFLA website .

At least one (1) tangible output that will lead to long-term outcomes and sustained positive impact in the organization and community such as: Event (virtual or in-person: symposium, conference, workshop, etc.) Project must begin sometime between December 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027 *Preparatory 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. Projects with one or more of the following qualities will be prioritized: Organizations with immediate needs. Resource-sharing with the greater Japan America Societies community.

Collaborative projects by multiple Japan America Societies are welcomed. Board Commitment. Demonstrated alignment between the board members and organizational staff on the proposed project.

Community Collaboration. Project that demonstrates collaboration with the Society’s larger community (K-12, universities, museums, businesses, Japan related organization in the region etc.). Demonstration of a fresh and innovative approach to accomplish project goals.

Lower priority will be given to projects that can be supported by the Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events or the Grant for Grassroots Exchange: U.S.-Japan Community Networking. Proposals that are the same or very similar to previously supported projects are also a lower priority.

JF encourages applicants to demonstrate innovation and/or lessons learned if a proposal similar to a project that has received funding from JF in the past is submitted. Please download and read the full guidelines prior to starting the application process. Detailed Budget template and Organization Information Form can also be downloaded from the link below.

below. The concept paper form must be submitted by August 7, 2026. Invited applicants must submit their full proposals by September 30, 2026 through the online application form .

Proposals must include the following forms: Grant Application Online Form Narrative Description of the Project Detailed Budget (use JF excel template ) Curriculum Vitae for the Project Director and Biography of all key participants Organization Information Form (use JF template ) Proof of 501(c)(3) status Institutional Information If you have any questions, please contact GEEprogram@jpf. go.

jp All applicants will be notified of the review result around November 2026.