Submit Applications for Social Grant 2026 (Phase 2) – Japan

The Phase 2 Social Grant provides funding of up to 2 million yen for art and cultural projects that promote community connection, social inclusion, and solutions to social challenges in Tokyo. The grant supports eligible arts organizations, welfare organizations, NPOs, and other approved entities implementing accessible and inclusive cultural activities between January and December 2027.

Overview of the Phase 2 Social Grant

The Phase 2 Social Grant supports projects that use art and culture as tools for social change. The programme aims to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate together, strengthen community relationships, and address social issues through creative activities.

The grant encourages initiatives that promote:

• Social inclusion and community participation
• Equal access to cultural experiences
• Collaboration between diverse groups
• Art-based approaches to solving social challenges
• Long-term community impact through cultural activities

The programme is designed for organizations that use artistic and cultural practices to build stronger, more connected communities.

Grant Objectives and Focus Areas

The Phase 2 Social Grant focuses on projects that use arts and cultural activities to respond to social needs.

Supported projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Promoting Social Connection Through Art

Projects should create opportunities for people from different social environments to participate together while respecting individual identities, cultures, and experiences.

Examples include:

• Community-based art workshops
• Inclusive cultural events
• Collaborative creative activities
• Intergenerational art programmes

Addressing Social Challenges Through Culture

The programme supports initiatives where art and culture are used to respond to social issues such as:

• Social isolation
• Inequality in cultural access
• Community division
• Lack of opportunities for participation

Creating Accessible Art Opportunities

Projects should make artistic experiences available to a wider range of people, including individuals who may face barriers to participation.

Supporting Long-Term Social Impact

Priority is given to initiatives that develop sustainable approaches and continue contributing to communities beyond the grant period.

Funding Details

The Phase 2 Social Grant provides:

• Maximum grant amount: Up to 2 million yen
• Funding coverage: Up to two-thirds of eligible project expenses
• Project implementation period: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027

Applicants must secure the remaining project costs through their own resources or other funding sources.

Eligible Applicants

The grant is open to organizations that meet the required conditions.

Eligible applicants include:

• Arts organizations
• Intermediary support organizations
• Welfare organizations
• Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
• Foundations
• Private companies operating public theaters or public halls

Private companies and foundations are eligible specifically for projects addressing disparities in children’s opportunities to experience art.

Applicant Requirements

Organizations applying for the grant must meet the following requirements:

• Headquarters or main office must be located in Tokyo
• Have a clear organizational decision-making structure
• Maintain proper accounting and auditing systems
• Have established organizational rules or regulations
• Take responsibility for implementing the proposed project
• Be able to cover required project costs
• Must not operate primarily for political or religious purposes

Requirements for Voluntary Organizations

Voluntary organizations must:

• Be established before the opening date of the grant application period
• Have at least three members

Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Start on or after January 1, 2027
• Finish by December 31, 2027
• Use art or cultural activities to address social challenges
• Promote participation and inclusion
• Be implemented by the applying organization

Applicants must also demonstrate previous experience.

Organizations should have conducted at least one of the following within Tokyo during the five years before applying:

• An arts-related project
• A cultural activity
• A project contributing to social issue improvement

Why This Grant Matters

Art and culture can play an important role in creating inclusive communities and addressing social challenges.

The Phase 2 Social Grant helps organizations:

• Expand access to cultural activities
• Connect people across different backgrounds
• Create safe spaces for participation
• Support vulnerable communities
• Develop innovative solutions through creativity

By supporting community-driven cultural projects, the programme strengthens social cohesion and encourages sustainable approaches to social development.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a project proposal that clearly explains:

1. Project concept
   • Description of the art or cultural activity
   • Social challenge being addressed
   • Target participants and communities
2. Implementation plan
   • Activities and timeline
   • Roles and responsibilities
   • Methods for community engagement
3. Expected outcomes
   • Social impact
   • Benefits for participants
   • Long-term sustainability
4. Budget plan
   • Total project costs
   • Grant amount requested
   • Other financial resources
5. Organization details
   • Experience
   • Governance structure
   • Previous relevant projects

Common Mistakes and Application Tips

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without a clear social impact objective
• Applying for activities unrelated to art or culture
• Failing to explain community benefits
• Providing unclear budgets
• Proposing projects without sufficient organizational capacity

Tips for stronger applications:

• Clearly connect artistic activities with social outcomes
• Explain how different communities will participate
• Highlight previous experience
• Provide realistic timelines and financial plans
• Demonstrate long-term value beyond the funding period

Ineligible Organizations and Activities

The following are not eligible:

• Organizations without headquarters or main offices in Tokyo
• Organizations established after the application opening period
• Political organizations
• Religious organizations
• Organizations controlled by government investment entities
• Organizations connected to organized crime groups
• Organizations involving members linked to organized crime groups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Phase 2 Social Grant?

The Phase 2 Social Grant is a funding programme that supports art and cultural projects using creative activities to strengthen communities and address social challenges.

2. How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible projects can receive up to 2 million yen, covering a maximum of two-thirds of eligible project expenses.

3. Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include Tokyo-based arts organizations, NPOs, welfare organizations, intermediary support organizations, foundations, and certain private companies operating public cultural facilities.

4. What types of projects are supported?

The grant supports projects that use art and culture to encourage social inclusion, improve cultural access, and address community challenges.

5. When must funded projects take place?

Projects must begin on or after January 1, 2027, and be completed by December 31, 2027.

6. Can newly established organizations apply?

Organizations must already be established before the grant application period begins and must meet governance and experience requirements.

7. Are political or religious projects eligible?

No. Projects intended for political or religious activities are not eligible for funding.

Conclusion

The Phase 2 Social Grant provides an opportunity for Tokyo-based organizations to use art and culture as powerful tools for social connection and community development. By supporting inclusive cultural initiatives, the programme aims to create accessible spaces where diverse communities can collaborate, participate, and address shared social challenges.