Understanding the Under-Utilized Potential of Japan’s Funding for NGOs
Japan stands as one of the world’s leading donors in official development assistance (ODA), yet its potential as a funding source for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) remains underutilized. Despite a robust commitment to international development, many NGOs, particularly those outside Asia, often overlook Japanese funding avenues. This article delves into the landscape of Japanese NGO funding, highlighting recent trends, real-life case studies, and expert insights to underscore the opportunities available for NGOs worldwide…[more]
A List of Open Funding Opportunities from Japan’s Leading Donors [May 2025]
Discover funding opportunities from Japanese donors supporting innovative and high-impact projects in 2025. Check out the list below to take advantage of these amazing opportunities.
Nominations open for ESD Okayama Award 2025
Deadline: 31-May-25
The Okayama City is now accepting nominations for the ESD Okayama Award, which recognizes outstanding ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) initiatives anywhere in the world…[more]
19th Japan International MANGA Award
Deadline: 30 June 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is seeking applications for its 19th Japan International MANGA Award to spread MANGA culture overseas and promote international cultural exchanges through MANGA…[more]
Apply for Toyota Foundation: International Grant Program 2025
Deadline: 31 May 2025
The Toyota Foundation is inviting applications from countries and regions in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, including Japan to enable people working to solve common issues in Asia to acquire new perspectives through mutual exchange and learning, thereby broadening the possibilities for the future…[more]
Apply for NEF Research Grant Program
Deadline: 14 October 2025
The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation is seeking applications for its Research Grant Program to support academic and scientific research aimed at understanding nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity and contributing to conservation actions based on scientific data in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region…[more]
Submissions open for NEF Publication Programme
Deadline: 14 October 2025
The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation is delighted to announce its Publication Programme to support scientific publications derived from the research work of the applicant and co-author(s)…[more]
Japan Foundation Fellowship for Arts and Culture in Asia (Visual Arts)
Deadline: 31 May 2025
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Japan Foundation Fellowship to develop human resources in the field of visual arts to those who cultivate and nurture transnational collaborating/co-creating projects in Japan, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste…[more]
RFAs: Japan Foundation Indo-Pacific Partnership Research Fellowship Program
Deadline: 16 June 2025
The Japan Foundation is pleased to announce its Indo-Pacific Partnership Research Fellowship Program with the purpose of building partnerships and intellectual networks in the Indo-Pacific region…[more]
Applications open for Marubeni Foundation’s Social Welfare Grant (Japan)
Deadline: 30-Jun-25
Applications are now open for the Marubeni Foundation’s Social Welfare Grant…[more]
The Toyota Foundation’s Research Grant Program in Japan
Deadline: 6-Jun-25
The Toyota Foundation Research Grant Program, Interlinkages and Innovation for Future Societies, invites research proposals that address social issues with an awareness of the “connections” among people, between people and nature, and between people and things and technologies…[more]
Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (Zambia)
Deadline: 31-Jul-25
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme (GGP) supports various development and human security projects at the grassroots level that are proposed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local government bodies, and other non-profit groups who are actively engaging in Zambia…[more]
CFAs: Japanese Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project (Malaysia)
Deadline: 30-May-25
The Embassy of Japan in Malaysia is now accepting applications for the Japanese Grant Assistance Grass-Roots Human Security Project (GGP)…[more]
Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in Albania
Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
The Embassy of Japan in Albania is accepting applications for the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects to meet Basic Human Needs and projects that are highly beneficial at the grass-roots level and require timely support by providing nonrefundable financial assistance to NGOs, hospitals, public schools, local authorities and other nonprofit association to help implement their development projects…[more]
The Toyota Foundation launches Domestic Grant Program (Japan)
Deadline: 5-Jun-25
The Toyota Foundation has launched the Domestic Grant Program with the theme of “Promoting a self-governing society based on new ideas in the new normal”…[more]
CFAs: Grant for U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program
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…[more]
Grant for Environmental Research Projects (Japan)
Deadline: 30 June 2025
The Sumitomo Foundation is offering grant to address the global environmental issues, one of the most critical issues facing humanity…[more]
RFPs: Grant for Basic Science Research Projects (Japan)
Deadline: 30 June 2025
The Sumitomo Foundation is offering grant to promote Basic Science research projects which are deemed imperative but have insufficient funds and particularly seeds research projects by young researchers, where innovative ideas are expected…[more]