Deadline: 13-Jan-2026
The Asian Community Trust (ACT) provides grants of 1,000,000–2,000,000 JPY to support education and youth development projects in Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines during the 2026 fiscal year. The program emphasizes sustainable, community-driven initiatives, South-South cooperation, and the development of financially self-sustaining models. Eligible nonprofit organizations and educational institutions can leverage these grants to create lasting social impact and foster regional collaboration.
Overview
The Asian Community Trust (ACT) offers financial support to organizations implementing impactful education and youth development projects in Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The program seeks to empower local communities, strengthen youth capacities, and encourage sustainable development through innovative and replicable initiatives. Grants may cover essential project costs and encourage recipient contributions to promote shared investment and long-term sustainability.
Programme Objectives
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Promote youth development and education in targeted Asian communities.
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Support projects with strong potential for financial self-sustainability.
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Encourage community participation and local resource mobilization.
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Foster South-South cooperation and regional knowledge exchange.
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Support innovation, replicable project models, and environmentally sustainable practices.
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Facilitate partnerships among NGOs, government, civil society, and the private sector.
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: 1,000,000–2,000,000 JPY per project.
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Duration: Up to three years, depending on project nature.
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Continued Funding: Performance-based, assessed through ACT’s evaluation process.
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Cost-Sharing: Recipient contribution to project costs is encouraged.
Who Is Eligible?
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Legally registered nonprofit organizations.
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Educational institutions formally recognized by a public authority.
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Organizations demonstrating transparency, accountability, and financial integrity.
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Exclusions: Organizations previously funded by ACT in 2024 or unsuccessful applicants from 2025 for the same project.
Focus Areas
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Youth Development – Initiatives fostering skills, leadership, and opportunities for young people.
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Education – Projects enhancing access to quality education and learning resources.
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Sustainability & Self-Reliance – Programs designed to become financially and operationally sustainable.
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Community Participation – Encouraging active involvement of local communities in project planning and execution.
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Innovation & Replicability – Supporting creative approaches and models that can be replicated in other regions.
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Partnerships & Collaboration – Building networks among NGOs, civil society, businesses, and government.
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Environmental & Gender Sensitivity – Integrating eco-friendly practices and promoting gender inclusion.
Why This Opportunity Matters
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Strengthens education and youth development across targeted Asian communities.
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Supports sustainable, self-reliant community initiatives.
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Encourages regional collaboration through South-South cooperation.
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Fosters innovative solutions and replicable models for long-term impact.
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Enhances social enterprise development and local livelihood opportunities.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Project Preparation
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Identify a project addressing youth development or education challenges in Cambodia, Indonesia, or the Philippines.
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Ensure alignment with ACT priorities: sustainability, community participation, and innovation.
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Application Submission
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Complete the official application form provided by ACT.
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Include project plan, budget, expected outcomes, and timeline.
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Provide evidence of legal registration, financial management practices, and organizational integrity.
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Evaluation & Selection
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ACT evaluates applications based on:
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Alignment with focus areas and objectives.
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Innovation and potential for sustainability.
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Community engagement and regional collaboration.
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Capacity to manage funds responsibly.
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Grant Implementation
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Execute the project in line with approved plans.
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Provide regular progress reports to ACT for monitoring and evaluation.
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Incorporate local contributions and ensure transparency in financial management.
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Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate community involvement and youth engagement.
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Highlight innovative aspects of your project and potential for replication.
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Ensure gender sensitivity and environmental sustainability are integrated.
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Provide a realistic budget showing both ACT funding and recipient contribution.
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Establish partnerships to strengthen project credibility and impact.
FAQ
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What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to 2,000,000 JPY per project. -
Which countries are eligible for project implementation?
Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. -
Who can apply?
Legally registered nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. -
Can projects run for more than one year?
Yes, projects may last up to three years depending on scope. -
Is prior ACT funding required?
No, but previous ACT grantees from 2024 or unsuccessful 2025 applicants for the same project are ineligible. -
Does ACT encourage local contributions?
Yes, recipient contributions demonstrate shared commitment and strengthen sustainability. -
What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects that are sustainable, innovative, community-driven, gender-sensitive, environmentally conscious, and have potential for regional replication.
Conclusion
The Asian Community Trust 2026 Grant Programme offers a significant opportunity for organizations in Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to develop impactful education and youth initiatives. By supporting sustainable, community-driven projects and promoting regional collaboration, ACT empowers organizations to create lasting social, educational, and economic benefits for young people and their communities.
For more information, visit Asian Community Trust.
