Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Japan Foundation is accepting applications for its Institutional Project Support Grant Program to encourage innovative and sustained growth of the Japanese Studies field in the United States.
The Japan Foundation welcomes proposals for its Institutional Project Support (IPS) program, which is designed to meet institutional needs in Japanese Studies for a single institution, collaborating institutions, or consortia. Applications that create tenured or tenure-track positions in Japanese Studies will be given strong priority. Strong consideration will also be given to proposals that identify and respond to national needs in Japanese Studies.
The maximum grant request from the Japan Foundation is $150,000 per year for a project duration of up to three years. The decision to fund beyond the first year is not automatic and will be based on an assessment of the reporting from the institution. The grant period must begin between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, with the latest possible start date for fund use being March 2027.
Applicants must be prepared to match the grant equally, and optimally, at higher levels. Matching funds can be both cash and in-kind contributions from the host organization, and should also include commitments from other partner organizations, donations, and grants. It is expected that there will also be significant and continuing administrative support within the host organization.
Grant funds can cover full-time or part-time faculty or instructor salaries and benefits, with lower priority given to salaries for existing faculty. Other covered expenses include travel, honoraria for lectures, visiting scholar support, graduate and undergraduate support, research and teaching materials, conference and seminar-related expenses, and library and digital resource support. Excluded items that cannot be funded by the grant include indirect costs, overhead costs, salaries of administrative staff (with some exceptions), costs to purchase long-term equipment, real estate or construction fees, and long-term rental fees for facilities, including those within the applying institution.
The 10 universities that received sizable Japanese government donations in 1973, as well as the universities selected for The Japan Chair Program, are eligible to apply but will be given lower priority, except in cases where their proposals are involved in outreach, consortium building, or partnering with institutions and organizations in Japan.
Only submissions from U.S. institutions and organizations with 501(c)(3) status and other qualifying tax-exempt statuses will be accepted. In principle, institutions that have received IPS support for three consecutive years ending in the 2025-2026 fiscal year are not eligible. Current IPS grantees who will receive funds between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, may not apply. Multiple applications from one institution will not be accepted. Projects must promote Japanese Studies and not be used for political, religious, social welfare, or commercial activities, nor can they be activities in support of specific doctrines or claims. Ineligible projects include those in the fields of medicine, manual training, or natural sciences; organization of or participation in sporting events; and most art-related projects. Japanese language-related components may be supported if they are part of a more comprehensive Japanese Studies project.
The screening criteria for proposals include their significance within the field, potential for lasting impact and sustainability, potential for expansion, and cost efficiency. The evaluation of applicants will consider the firm commitment from the institution, competence of project leaders, viability of cooperative frameworks, geographical distribution, and the likelihood of expanding the Japanese Studies program. Small, newly established institutions, and those without an established graduate-level program are highly encouraged to apply. The criteria for matching funds will assess the extent of the match, feasibility, variety of resources, and likelihood of continuation.
Applicants must submit a Concept Paper using the designated form no later than October 31, 2025. The full proposal application must be received by the Japan Foundation, New York by email or post no later than Monday, December 1, 2025. The full application requires an Application Form, Detailed Project Budget, Project Narrative, Project Timeline, Curricula Vitae, Letters of Support, and proof of 501(c)(3) status. Results will be announced in April 2026.
For more information, visit The Japan Foundation.