Deadline: 30-May-2026
The International Grant Program supports collaborative projects across Asia that address shared regional challenges through knowledge exchange and innovative approaches. Grants range from 5 to 10 million yen for one- or two-year projects, with eligibility open to diverse, multi-country teams including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The program emphasizes empathy, learning, and cooperation among East, Southeast, and South Asian countries.
Overview
The International Grant Program promotes regional cooperation by funding initiatives that encourage knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving among countries in Asia. Thematic focus: “Common Challenges and Mutual Exchange in Asia – From Learning to Empathy.”
The program seeks to broaden opportunities for the next generation by enabling people working on shared issues to learn from one another, gain new perspectives, and develop innovative solutions to regional challenges.
Objectives
The grant program aims to:
- Support projects that tackle common challenges across two or more countries or regions in East, Southeast, and South Asia
- Foster knowledge exchange and collaborative learning
- Promote empathy and mutual understanding among participants
- Encourage innovative, risk-taking approaches to regional issues
- Enable solutions that benefit multiple countries and communities
Eligible Participants
Teams applying for this grant must:
- Include diverse members such as researchers, practitioners, creators, policymakers, and media professionals
- Have relevant experience and expertise addressing the proposed issues
- Be composed of members from multiple countries or regions within East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia
Ineligible applicants:
- Individuals applying alone
- Teams based entirely within a single country
Funding Details
- Project Duration: 1 or 2 years
- Budget Limits:
- 1-year project: maximum 5 million yen
- 2-year project: maximum 10 million yen
- Total Program Budget: 80 million yen
- Applicants must plan budgets carefully within specified expense categories
Focus Areas and Approach
Projects should emphasize:
- Innovation: Creative and flexible solutions to regional challenges
- Collaboration: Bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise
- Impact: Solutions that are relevant and beneficial to multiple countries or communities
- Empathy and Learning: Strengthening mutual understanding among participants through engagement and knowledge exchange
How to Apply
- Form a Multi-Country Team: Ensure team members bring complementary expertise and are based in different countries within the target regions.
- Identify Common Challenges: Select issues that affect two or more countries or regions.
- Develop an Innovative Proposal: Highlight collaborative approaches, risk-taking strategies, and potential regional impact.
- Plan the Budget: Align expenses with program guidelines and adhere to the maximum funding limits.
- Submit the Application: Include detailed descriptions of objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and cross-country collaboration strategies.
Why It Matters
- Encourages cross-border knowledge sharing in Asia
- Fosters regional empathy and understanding
- Supports innovative solutions for pressing challenges affecting multiple communities
- Strengthens the capacity of multi-disciplinary teams to tackle complex issues
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals without multi-country team members
- Ignoring the budget limits or failing to categorize expenses properly
- Proposing projects that focus on a single country or region
- Underestimating the need for collaborative, cross-cultural engagement
FAQ
1. Which countries are eligible for participation?
Projects must involve participants from East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia, including Japan.
2. Can a single-country team apply?
No, all teams must include members from two or more countries or regions.
3. What is the maximum funding per project?
- 1-year projects: 5 million yen
- 2-year projects: 10 million yen
4. What types of teams are eligible?
Teams must include practitioners, researchers, creators, policymakers, or media professionals with relevant expertise.
5. What is the total program budget?
The total budget for the program is 80 million yen.
6. Can projects be in any field?
Yes, as long as the project addresses common regional challenges and involves collaborative problem-solving.
7. What is the program’s thematic focus?
“Common Challenges and Mutual Exchange in Asia – From Learning to Empathy,” emphasizing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural understanding.
Conclusion
The International Grant Program empowers multi-country teams to tackle shared challenges in Asia through collaborative, innovative, and empathetic approaches. By funding projects that emphasize learning, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation, the initiative strengthens cross-border solutions and fosters a new generation of leaders capable of addressing complex, multi-country issues.
For more information, visit Toyota Foundation.