2024: Japan Embassy in South Africa Seeks Small Development Projects

Deadline: 1-Mar-24

The Embassy of Japan in South Africa has announced the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects to assist Non-Profit Organisations (NPO’s) by supporting relatively small development projects which have a direct and immediate impact on the well-being of disadvantaged communities at the grass-roots level.

The Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa reviews grant applications from the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Kingdom of Eswatini. The site of the proposed project must be located within one of the three countries.

Funding Information

• An approximated maximum amount of ZAR 1,200,000.00 is available for funding (none of which can be used to cover any VAT for an approved project). Applications that exceed the maximum amount are declined automatically. This amount can be exceeded only under exceptional circumstances approved by the Embassy of Japan.
• NB: The ZAR amount of R1,200,000.00 is based on a maximum amount of 10 million Japanese Yen. As a result, any GGP funding is subject to change due to the inevitable fluctuation of the exchange rate.
• They cannot cover the VAT required for each project. Before applying please ensure that you are able to do so through your own financial capacity.

Target Areas

• Education
  • Expected Eligible Applicants: Schools (e.g. Primary School, Secondary School, Vocational School, Special Needs School, excluding Pre-primary School and crèches) Education-related NPOs should apply using General forms.
• Medical & Health
  • Expected Eligible Applicants: Health Institutions (e.g. Clinic, Hospital) NPOs etc.
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
  • Expected Eligible Applicants: Local Authority, Rural Institutions (Farms Associations, Fisheries Associations etc.) NPOs etc.
• Social Welfare
  • Expected Eligible Applicants: Local Authority NPOs etc.
• Other
  • Expected Eligible Applicants: Local Authority NPOs, NPOs working in Education etc.

Eligibility Criteria

• Registered NPOs may apply and a copy of the NPO registration certificate must be attached to the application form. NPOs include non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, primary and secondary schools, hospitals, clinics, and local governments.
• Individuals or private companies are not eligible to apply.
• Only one (1) application will be considered per organisation.
• The applicant organisation must have at least 3 (three) years’ experience in the sector of the proposed project. The applicant organisation is required to be established and sound, and to have sustainable and stable foundations in terms of finance, personnel, project management etc. Therefore, the Embassy cannot fund newly established organisations, pilot projects, or initial start-up costs etc.

Ineligible

• The following areas are not financed by the GGP:
  • Projects that have uncertain benefits for grassroots activities such as assistance for research by advanced academic institutions and capacity building of the recipient organization.
  • Projects limited to commercial activities and creation of employment of particular individuals and organizations, and which have uncertain direct benefits for grass-roots activities.
  • Culture, art, and sport projects that are less related to economic and social development.
  • Projects with a political or missionary purpose, or the intention of military use.
  • Consumables, small fixtures, running and maintenance costs of facilities, and equipment are not financed in principle even if the project is eligible for the GGP.

For more information, visit Embassy of Japan in South Africa.