Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Daiwa Foundation Small Grant Program provides funding of £2,000–£9,000 to support projects that promote meaningful interaction between the UK and Japan. The program prioritises new initiatives across education, research, arts, and grassroots exchange, with applications closing on 31 March 2026.
Overview
The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation offers the Small Grant Program to support projects that strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Japan through direct, meaningful interaction.
The program funds a wide range of initiatives that encourage exchange, collaboration, and mutual understanding between individuals and organisations in both countries. While open to all fields of activity, the Foundation places particular emphasis on new and innovative projects rather than ongoing or recurring initiatives.
Funding is provided as a contribution toward project costs, not as full project funding.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives
The Small Grant Program aims to:
• Promote UK–Japan interaction and collaboration
• Support educational, cultural, and grassroots exchange
• Enable research travel and academic cooperation
• Encourage conferences, exhibitions, and public-facing events
• Foster new relationships and partnerships between the UK and Japan
Projects must demonstrate clear, direct engagement between the two countries.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The program is flexible and supports a wide variety of non-commercial initiatives.
Eligible Project Types
Funding may support:
• Educational and grassroots exchange projects
• Research travel between the UK and Japan
• Conferences, workshops, and seminars
• Exhibitions, talks, and public events
• Collaborative projects across arts, culture, academia, policy, and civil society
New initiatives are strongly encouraged. Ongoing or regularly held projects are unlikely to be funded unless there is a compelling justification, such as a special anniversary or unique one-off opportunity.
Funding Amount and Grant Size
Grant Value
• Minimum grant: £2,000
• Maximum grant: £9,000
Due to limited funding and the desire to support many applicants, the Foundation typically awards grants in the range of £3,000 to £4,000.
Funding is intended as a partial contribution and should not be relied upon to cover the entire project budget.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
The following may apply:
• Individuals
• Societies and associations
• Non-profit organisations
• Other eligible bodies
Applicants must be based in either the United Kingdom or Japan.
There are no restrictions on discipline or sector, provided the project clearly promotes UK–Japan engagement.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
Certain costs and activities are not eligible for funding under this program.
The Foundation Will Not Fund
• General fundraising appeals
• Capital expenditure
• Consumables
• School or university tuition fees
• Individual student research or study
• Salaries, honoraria, or professional fees
• Commissions for works of art
• Retrospective funding for completed projects
• Replacement of statutory or core funding
• Commercial or profit-making activities
Applications including these costs are likely to be rejected.
Why This Grant Matters
The Daiwa Foundation Small Grant Program plays a key role in:
• Supporting people-to-people diplomacy
• Encouraging grassroots and academic exchange
• Enabling early-stage or pilot initiatives
• Strengthening long-term UK–Japan partnerships
• Creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration
By funding smaller-scale but high-impact projects, the program helps generate lasting relationships that extend beyond the grant period.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Register for an Online Account
Applicants must first register for an online account using an email address and password.
Step 2: Complete the Eligibility Test
An eligibility test is built into the application system to ensure the proposal meets current guidelines.
Step 3: Prepare the Application
Applicants should prepare responses in advance to meet word limits. Many questions are mandatory and supported by online guidance.
Step 4: Use the Correct Application Form
• Applicants based in Japan must use the Daiwa Foundation Small Grants application form
• Applicants based in the UK must use the Daiwa Foundation Small Grants application form
Step 5: Submit Supporting Information
The application must include:
• Details of the Project Leader (responsible for grant management)
• Details of any Project Partners
• Disclosure of any previous funding applications to the Foundation
• A brief project description with start and finish dates
• Supplementary materials where applicable, such as:
– CVs of the Project Leader and Project Partners
– A detailed schedule for projects involving UK–Japan travel
Projects must not begin before the stated decision date.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
• Application deadline: 31 March 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly explain how the project promotes UK–Japan interaction
• Emphasise what makes the project new or distinctive
• Provide realistic timelines and budgets
• Show clear roles for UK and Japanese participants
• Avoid including ineligible costs
• Demonstrate why Daiwa Foundation support is essential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying for full project funding rather than partial support
• Including ineligible costs such as salaries or tuition fees
• Proposing projects that have already started
• Submitting vague project descriptions
• Failing to demonstrate direct UK–Japan engagement
• Missing mandatory sections of the application form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Daiwa Foundation Small Grant Program?
It is a funding program that supports projects promoting meaningful interaction between the UK and Japan across all fields.
2. How much funding can applicants receive?
Grants range from £2,000 to £9,000, with most awards between £3,000 and £4,000.
3. Who can apply for the grant?
Individuals and organisations based in the UK or Japan are eligible to apply.
4. Are ongoing or recurring projects eligible?
Generally no, unless there is a compelling reason or special occasion justifying support.
5. Can the grant cover salaries or tuition fees?
No. Salary costs, professional fees, and education fees are not eligible.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 31 March 2026.
7. Can projects start before the funding decision?
No. Projects must not begin before the stated decision date.
Conclusion
The Daiwa Foundation Small Grant Program offers a valuable opportunity to develop new, meaningful connections between the UK and Japan. By supporting innovative exchange, research, and collaborative projects with targeted funding, the program strengthens bilateral relationships and enables initiatives that foster long-term understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
For more information, visit Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation.
