Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
The Salary Assistance Grant by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles provides up to $30,000 to support non-profit U.S. institutions and school districts in sustaining Japanese-language instruction. The grant covers partial salaries and fringe benefits for instructors, ensuring continuity of programs and long-term stability of Japanese-language education.
Overview
The Salary Assistance Grant helps educational institutions facing temporary financial challenges to maintain Japanese-language programs. It provides cost-sharing support for instructors’ salaries and benefits, aiming to retain qualified teachers and ensure programs continue beyond the grant period.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The grant supports projects that:
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Provide partial coverage of instructors’ salaries and fringe benefits
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Promote the long-term sustainability of Japanese-language programs
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Encourage institutional cost-sharing alongside JFLA support
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Support both full-time and part-time instructors, excluding teaching assistants
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Ensure programs are maintained after the grant period through a detailed continuation plan
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: Up to $30,000 per school per year
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Duration: One academic year (Academic Year 2026–27) with limited eligibility for a second year in start-up cases
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Eligible Costs: Salaries and mandatory benefits of Japanese-language instructors
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Cost-Sharing Requirement: Institutions must contribute at least one-third of total annual salary expenses
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Application Coverage: Multiple instructors at the same school may be supported, total not exceeding $30,000 per school; school districts may apply for multiple schools with the same per-school cap
Who Is Eligible?
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Non-profit educational institutions or school districts in the U.S. involved in Japanese-language education
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Institutions must demonstrate a commitment to continuing Japanese-language programs after the grant period
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Ineligible: Individuals, U.S. government bodies, institutions receiving Japanese government funding, organisations legally restricted from receiving foreign government-affiliated aid, and institutions with commercial, political, or religious purposes
How to Apply / How It Works
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Prepare Application: Include program details, instructor information, resumes/CVs, employment agreements, and continuation plan
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Budget Submission: Detail salaries, fringe benefits, institutional contribution, and requested JFLA support
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Submit Proposal: Applications reviewed for program viability, eligibility, and compliance with cost-sharing requirements
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Grant Award: Up to $30,000 per school; funding allocated based on need and JFLA assessment
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Implementation: Grantees must begin using funds no later than March 2027, in line with JFLA fiscal requirements
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Reporting and Renewal: Annual reports required; limited second-year support may be available for new programs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without institutional cost-sharing contribution
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Requesting funds for non-salary costs (housing, travel, professional development, admin)
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Including ineligible personnel, such as teaching assistants
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Failing to demonstrate program continuation after the grant period
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Missing submission deadlines or required documentation
Why This Grant Matters
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Ensures continuity of Japanese-language education in U.S. schools
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Supports the retention of qualified instructors during financial challenges
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Promotes long-term stability and sustainability of language programs
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Encourages institutional collaboration and cost-sharing to strengthen program resilience
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Helps safeguard cultural education and global language learning opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply? Non-profit U.S. educational institutions and school districts offering Japanese-language programs.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $30,000 per school per year.
3. What can the grant fund? Partial salaries and fringe benefits of full-time or part-time instructors; teaching assistants are not eligible.
4. Is co-financing required? Yes, institutions must provide at least one-third of total salary expenses.
5. Can multiple instructors be supported? Yes, as long as total funding per school does not exceed $30,000.
6. Are individuals eligible? No, only non-profit institutions or school districts can apply.
7. When must funds be used? Grant funds must be utilized by March 2027 for the Academic Year 2026–27.
Conclusion
The Salary Assistance Grant ensures that U.S. institutions can maintain Japanese-language instruction during financial challenges, supporting instructor retention, program continuity, and long-term sustainability. By funding salaries and fringe benefits, JFLA helps safeguard the future of Japanese-language education and strengthens cultural learning opportunities nationwide.
For more information, visit JFLA.