Education Grant

The Japan Foundation New York Education Grant program is administered by The Japan Foundation, a Japanese government cultural institution dedicated to promoting international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. Established to foster global connections through educational and cultural initiatives, The Japan Foundation operates offices worldwide to support projects that deepen cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture and society. The Education Grant program specifically supports projects from nonprofit organizations that assist K-12 students, teachers, and community members in deepening their understanding about Japan, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and nurturing global perspectives among American youth and educators. The program aims to expand awareness and knowledge of Japanese culture, society, and contemporary issues through innovative educational outreach and cultural programming that reaches diverse audiences across the United States. The grant provides funding up to $5,000 per project, with the 2024 average award amount being $3,000. Successful projects typically fall into two main categories: educational outreach projects such as lectures about Japanese culture and society or teacher professional development workshops focused on effective methods for teaching about Japan; and cultural events including performances, exhibitions, festivals, movie screenings, readings, and demonstrations of Japanese arts that must include an educational outreach component such as interactive presentations, lectures, or hands-on workshops. The grant covers direct costs including personnel and honoraria for staff and guest speakers, travel expenses both international and domestic, per diem costs for accommodation and meals, conference costs including venue rental and interpretation services, and report and publication costs including printing and advertising expenses. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based institutions and organizations with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Projects must commence between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, with preparatory activities included within this timeframe. Previous Education Grant recipients may apply again if their proposed project targets a new audience or contains substantial changes, however The Japan Foundation will not support the same project beyond three years. Organizations receiving grants from other Japan Foundation programs including JF Los Angeles are not eligible for the Education Grant. The program does not support Japanese-language education programs, medical or scientific research projects, political activities, religious activities, social welfare activities, commercial activities, or study tours and research trips to Japan. Applications follow a rolling submission process and must be submitted at least two months prior to the project start date through The Japan Foundation's online portal. Required materials include a completed online grant application form with separate Authorized Representative and Project Director from the applying institution, a narrative project description up to 10 pages covering project background, objectives, participating organizations, intended audience, methodology, timeline, dissemination plan, anticipated impact, preparation status, budget justification, and sustainability plans. Additional requirements include curriculum vitae of the project director and biographies of key participants, proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status through IRS determination letter, institutional information such as annual reports, and a detailed budget using the provided Excel template. A minimum of 20% cost-share from non-Japan Foundation sources such as the applying institution or other foundations is required. The program prioritizes projects that reach underserved schools and communities with limited exposure to Japan, particularly in the Midwest states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; Mountain states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming; and Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Additional priorities include projects reaching significant numbers of students, educators, or community members; involving individuals and organizations new to K-12 Japan education; connecting with local resources such as museums, higher education institutions, Japan-America Societies, Japanese businesses, and resident Japanese communities; and demonstrating innovation with potential for replication in other regions. Applications are reviewed and funding decisions are communicated 1-2 months after submission. For questions regarding the application process, interested applicants should contact GEEprogram@jpf.go.jp.

Prioritize projects reaching underserved communities in Midwest, Mountain, South regions. Demonstrate innovation and replication potential. Connect with local resources. Target significant numbers of beneficiaries.