Deadline: 7-Jul-25
The U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program aims to support the creation and/or expansion of Japan-themed programming and activities for local communities and beyond.
Proposed programming must be Japan-related; however, the types of events may vary (e.g., in person workshop, online lecture, etc.) as well as the topics (e.g. culture, business, professional development, Japanese Studies etc. excluding Japanese Language).
Funding Information
- Grant awards are up to $30,000, and applicants are required to organize a minimum of 10 total events.
Duration
- Project length can be no longer than twelve (12) months.
Eligible Projects
- Projects with one or more of the following qualities will be prioritized:
- Demonstration of impact and tangible outcomes;
- Demonstration of fresh and innovative outreach activities;
- Sustainability plan that is clearly articulated and extends well after JF support;
- Attention towards underserved areas of the Midwest, South, and Mountain states as well as non-traditional audiences that have not been previously exposed to Japanese culture and topics;
- Projects proposed by or involving collaboration with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and/or Community College;
- Projects that collaborate with larger community in the region (K-12, universities, museums, businesses, Japan-related organizations, organization/institution in Japan etc.).
Eligibility Criteria
- Higher education institutions in the United States with Japanese Studies and/or Japanese language programs and organizations that promote grassroots cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan.
- Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code.
- The following organizations are not eligible:
- JOI host sites for Year 22 (2024-2026) and Year 22 (2025-2027)
- Japan America Societies/Japan Societies
- JF will not consider proposals for the following:
- Commercial activities;
- Political activities, election campaigns, or religious activities;
- Activities in support of specific doctrines or claims;
Requirements
- Projects are required to have the following elements:
- Minimum of 10 total events, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, or activities that support dialogue and networking during the project period;
- Projects must begin between September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Preparation for the events (e.g. staff recruitment) may be included in the grant period;
- A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the total project budget must be secured from non-JF sources such as the applying institution, a collaborating institution, and/or other sources.
For more information, visit JF.