Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Daiwa Foundation is inviting applications for the Daiwa Foundation Awards to support collaborative projects that strengthen relationships between the United Kingdom and Japan. The programme provides funding for educational, cultural, community, and exchange initiatives that promote mutual understanding, long-term cooperation, and meaningful engagement between people and organizations in both countries.
The awards encourage innovative and sustainable projects that help participants gain deeper knowledge of Japan while fostering lasting UK–Japan partnerships.
About the Program
The Daiwa Foundation Awards support collaborative projects that promote interaction and cooperation between the United Kingdom and Japan.
The programme is designed to:
- Strengthen UK–Japan relations
- Promote international collaboration
- Encourage cultural exchange
- Support educational partnerships
- Foster grassroots engagement
- Increase understanding of Japanese society and culture
- Build long-term bilateral relationships
- Create opportunities for shared learning and cooperation
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for participants in both countries.
Program Objectives
The awards aim to:
- Promote mutual understanding between the UK and Japan
- Support meaningful international partnerships
- Encourage educational and cultural exchange
- Facilitate people-to-people connections
- Increase awareness of Japanese culture and society
- Strengthen grassroots and institutional collaboration
- Support sustainable bilateral initiatives
- Create long-term opportunities for cooperation
Successful projects should contribute to stronger and more enduring UK–Japan connections.
Eligible Project Activities
The programme supports a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including:
- Educational exchange projects
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Community-based collaborations
- Research partnerships
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Arts and cultural activities
- Grassroots exchange programmes
- Academic cooperation projects
- Networking and partnership-building activities
- Projects that provide direct experience of Japan
Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative projects that create lasting impact beyond the funding period.
Priority Areas
The Foundation welcomes projects that:
- Promote UK–Japan interaction
- Encourage ongoing collaboration
- Build sustainable partnerships
- Expand understanding of Japan
- Foster cross-cultural learning
- Support educational development
- Strengthen community engagement
- Create opportunities for future cooperation
Projects with clear long-term benefits and practical outcomes are particularly encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to applicants in both the United Kingdom and Japan, including:
- Individuals
- Societies
- Associations
- Community groups
- Educational institutions
- Cultural organizations
- Research organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Other eligible groups involved in UK–Japan collaboration
Applicants should demonstrate a genuine collaborative relationship between partners in both countries.
Project Requirements
Proposals should clearly outline:
- Project objectives
- Planned activities
- UK and Japan partnership arrangements
- Project timeline
- Expected outcomes
- Long-term impact
- Participant engagement
- Contribution to UK–Japan relations
Applications should show how the project will strengthen cooperation and understanding between the two countries.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects should contribute to:
- Stronger UK–Japan partnerships
- Increased cultural understanding
- Enhanced educational cooperation
- Greater international collaboration
- Expanded community engagement
- Sustainable bilateral relationships
- Knowledge exchange and learning opportunities
- Long-term people-to-people connections
Projects should deliver measurable and meaningful benefits for participants and partner organizations.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a collaborative project involving partners from the UK and Japan
- Define clear objectives and expected outcomes
- Create a project implementation timeline
- Explain the significance of the UK–Japan partnership
- Outline planned activities and participant involvement
- Demonstrate sustainability and long-term value
- Submit the required application materials through the Daiwa Foundation application process
Strong applications clearly demonstrate how the project will promote lasting cooperation between the two countries.
Application Tips
- Focus on genuine collaboration rather than one-time activities
- Demonstrate benefits for both UK and Japanese participants
- Include realistic and achievable outcomes
- Show how partnerships will continue beyond the project period
- Highlight opportunities for cultural and educational exchange
- Explain the broader impact of the project
- Present a clear implementation plan
Projects with strong partnership structures and sustainable outcomes are often more competitive.
Why This Program Matters
International collaboration plays an important role in strengthening cultural understanding, educational development, and long-term cooperation. The Daiwa Foundation Awards help individuals and organizations build meaningful connections between the United Kingdom and Japan through shared experiences, collaborative learning, and joint initiatives.
By supporting innovative exchange projects, the programme contributes to stronger bilateral relationships and greater understanding between the two countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Daiwa Foundation Awards?
- The awards support collaborative projects that strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the United Kingdom and Japan.
Who can apply?
- Individuals, societies, associations, educational institutions, community groups, and other organizations in the UK and Japan.
What types of projects are supported?
- Educational exchanges, cultural initiatives, research collaborations, community partnerships, and other activities that promote UK–Japan cooperation.
Are grassroots projects eligible?
- Yes. The programme specifically welcomes grassroots and community-based exchange initiatives.
What makes a strong application?
- Clear objectives, meaningful collaboration, practical outcomes, sustainability, and a strong contribution to UK–Japan relations.
Does the programme encourage long-term partnerships?
- Yes. Sustainable projects with potential for ongoing cooperation are strongly encouraged.
What information should applicants provide?
- Project aims, activities, timeline, anticipated outcomes, partnership details, and the significance of the collaboration between the UK and Japan.
Conclusion
The Daiwa Foundation Awards support collaborative UK–Japan projects that promote cultural exchange, educational cooperation, community engagement, and long-term international partnerships. By funding innovative and sustainable initiatives, the programme helps strengthen bilateral understanding and creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration between individuals and organizations in both countries.
For more information, visit Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation.