Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for its Institutional Project Support (IPS) – Small Grant Program to maintain and advance the infrastructural scale of Japanese Studies at their institution.
This program is designed to: support institutions that face difficulties maintaining current levels of infrastructure for Japanese Studies in the U.S.; stimulate infrastructural interest in Japanese Studies at small or newer institutions without an established program of Japanese studies or those that lack personnel or resources; and provide support for particularly innovative programs that promote Japanese Studies.
Projects from institutions that face difficulties maintaining current levels of infrastructure, projects from small institutions and institutions without an established program of Japanese Studies or those that lack personnel or resources, and projects that initiate or sustain institutional partnerships, including those in Japan, will be given priority.
Support in this round will be given for project activities commencing between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. The project can have a duration of up to one year, and a maximum of $25,000 will be awarded. Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status and other qualifying tax-exempt statuses will be accepted. Applicants to this program are not eligible to apply to the IPS program for fiscal 2026-2027, and institutions currently receiving IPS funds for fiscal 2025-2026 may not apply. Multiple applications from a single institution will not be accepted.
Grant coverage may include full-time or part-time faculty or instructor salaries and benefits, travel expenses, honoraria for lectures, research and teaching materials, conference and seminar-related expenses, and library and digital resource support. The salaries and benefits for existing faculty or instructors and costs for receptions and meals will be given lower priority. Applicants may not request funding for indirect costs, overhead costs, salaries of administrative staff (with an exception for project assistants up to 30 days), long-term equipment purchases, real estate, construction fees, or long-term rental fees. International airfare must not be higher than the estimated fare for the shortest route using economy class discount fare.
Eligible projects must promote Japanese Studies and not be used for political, religious, social welfare, or commercial activities, or activities in support of specific doctrines or claims. Projects in the fields of medicine, manual training, or natural sciences are not eligible, nor are the organization of or participation in sporting events, goodwill exchanges, social welfare or international development projects, or tourist-oriented programs. Art-related projects such as exhibitions or film series may be funded if they are a portion of a larger, comprehensive Japanese Studies project. Japanese language-related components may also be supported if they are part of a more comprehensive Japanese Studies project.
Proposals will be reviewed by the American Advisory Committee. Applicants will be notified of the results in April 2026. The application must be received by the Japan Foundation, New York by email or post no later than Monday, December 1, 2025. A Concept Paper, using the provided form, must be submitted no later than October 31, 2025, prior to the full proposal application. Application materials required include an Application Form, a Detailed Project Budget, a Project Narrative, a Project Timeline, Curricula Vitae, Letters of Support, and Proof of 501(c)(3) status. The Authorized Representative, the Project Director, and the Bursar must be three different individuals. The project abstract is limited to 250 words. Application closes on 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit The Japan Foundation.
