Open Call: Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant (United States)

The Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant offered by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA) provides up to $1,000 to eligible U.S. educational institutions and non-profit organizations to purchase Japanese-language teaching materials. The grant supports textbooks, dictionaries, digital learning software, cultural resources, and other educational materials that strengthen Japanese-language education in the United States.

Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant Overview

The Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant is designed to enhance the quality of Japanese-language education by helping eligible educational institutions acquire high-quality teaching resources.

Through this program, The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA) provides financial assistance to schools and organizations that teach Japanese as a world language or operate Japanese Heritage Language (JHL) programs. The grant enables institutions to improve classroom instruction by purchasing textbooks, dictionaries, audio-visual resources, digital learning software, teacher reference materials, and cultural teaching resources.

The initiative aims to strengthen Japanese-language education, improve learning experiences for students, and provide educators with modern instructional materials that support effective language teaching.

Focus Areas

The grant supports projects related to:

• Japanese-language education
• Japanese language teaching materials
• Japanese textbooks
• Dictionaries
• Digital learning software
• Audio-visual educational materials
• Teacher reference books
• Japanese cultural resources
• Japanese Heritage Language (JHL) education
• Language instruction
• Classroom learning resources
• Educational support

Funding Information

Eligible applicants may receive:

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $1,000
• Funding is provided as reimbursement after approved purchases are completed.
• Institutions must retain proof of payment for all approved purchases.
• Purchased materials remain the property of the applying institution.

Why This Grant Matters

High-quality teaching materials play a critical role in successful language education.

This grant helps institutions:

• Improve Japanese-language instruction.
• Update classroom resources.
• Enhance student engagement.
• Support teachers with quality educational materials.
• Expand access to Japanese cultural learning resources.
• Strengthen Japanese Heritage Language education.
• Improve long-term educational outcomes.

Eligible Teaching Materials

Grant funding may be used to purchase:

• Japanese-language textbooks
• Dictionaries
• Digital learning software
• Audio-visual teaching materials
• Teacher reference books
• Japanese cultural materials
• Origami supplies
• Calligraphy sets
• Other approved instructional resources

Ineligible Purchases

The following items are not eligible for funding:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Desktop computers
• Projectors
• Cameras
• Electronic hardware
• Consumable stationery
• General office supplies
• Other non-approved equipment

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit educational institutions in the United States
• Organizations teaching Japanese as a world language
• Japanese Heritage Language (JHL) schools
• Japanese Heritage Language programs
• Saturday Schools operating separate JHL programs

Saturday Schools are eligible only for their independently operated Japanese Heritage Language programs and not for programs funded through Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Wish list of requested teaching materials
• Quantity of each item
• Unit price
• Estimated total cost
• Shipping costs
• Applicable taxes

Applicants must not purchase materials before receiving official grant approval and submitting the required Acceptance of Grant form.

Reimbursement Process

Approved institutions must:

• Purchase the approved materials.
• Keep all receipts and proof of payment.
• Submit the required reimbursement documents.
• Submit the Request for Payment form.
• Submit the Final Report.

After verification, reimbursement will be issued by check in the name of the institution.

How to Apply

Step 1

Review the eligibility requirements and identify the Japanese-language teaching materials your institution needs.

Step 2

Prepare a detailed wish list that includes:

• Item descriptions
• Quantities
• Unit prices
• Shipping costs
• Taxes
• Total estimated budget

Step 3

Submit the completed application and wait for official grant approval before making any purchases.

Step 4

After approval, purchase the approved materials, retain proof of payment, submit the required reimbursement documents, and receive grant payment.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain how the requested materials support Japanese-language education.
• Prioritize essential instructional resources.
• Provide accurate pricing information.
• Submit a realistic budget.
• Follow all application instructions carefully.
• Include only eligible teaching materials.
• Keep complete financial documentation.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Purchasing materials before grant approval.
• Including laptops, tablets, or other electronic hardware.
• Requesting ineligible consumable supplies.
• Submitting incomplete wish lists.
• Omitting shipping or tax estimates.
• Losing receipts or proof of payment.
• Missing required reimbursement documents.
• Submitting late applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant?

Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit educational institutions, organizations teaching Japanese as a world language, Japanese Heritage Language schools, and eligible Saturday School JHL programs.

How much funding is available?

Eligible institutions may receive up to $1,000.

What materials can be purchased?

Funding supports textbooks, dictionaries, digital learning software, teacher reference books, audio-visual resources, origami materials, calligraphy sets, and other approved educational resources.

Can grant funds be used to purchase laptops or tablets?

No. Electronic hardware such as laptops, tablets, projectors, and cameras is not eligible.

Can applicants purchase materials before approval?

No. Institutions must wait until they receive official grant approval and submit the required Acceptance of Grant form before making purchases.

How is the funding paid?

The grant is provided as a reimbursement after approved purchases are completed and all required payment documents, receipts, and reports have been submitted.

Who owns the purchased teaching materials?

All purchased materials remain the property of the applying educational institution.

Conclusion

The Japanese Teaching Materials Purchase Grant provides valuable financial support for U.S. educational institutions seeking to strengthen Japanese-language education through high-quality instructional resources. By helping schools purchase textbooks, digital learning tools, dictionaries, cultural materials, and teacher resources, the grant enhances classroom learning, supports educators, and contributes to the continued growth of Japanese-language education across the United States.