Small Grant Program Supporting Japanese Arts, Culture, and Academic Collaboration in Thailand

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

The Japan Foundation, Bangkok invites applications for its Small Grant Program, supporting projects that advance cultural exchange and intellectual collaboration between Japan, Thailand, and the wider Asian region. Grants focus on Japanese arts, culture, and studies, with funding up to THB 50,000–100,000, and all projects must be completed within the Japanese fiscal year (April 1–March 31).

Program Overview

The Small Grant Program aims to promote:

• Greater understanding of Japanese arts and culture among Thai and regional audiences

• Development and expansion of Japanese studies in the humanities and social sciences

• Intellectual collaboration through joint research, conferences, and publications

• Innovative approaches to project themes and content

• Two-way cultural and academic exchange within the Asian community

Projects with existing institutional partnerships may receive lower priority, while novel or pioneering initiatives are encouraged.

Grant Categories

Category A – Japanese Arts, Culture, and Studies

• Focus: Projects concerning Japan in arts, culture, or Japanese studies

• Objective: Promote deeper understanding of Japan in Thailand

• Maximum Grant: 50,000 THB

Category B – Intellectual and Cultural Exchange

• Focus: Two-way collaboration and dialogue among cultural and academic professionals in Asia

• Objective: Foster regional partnerships and knowledge exchange

• Maximum Grant: 100,000 THB

Eligibility Criteria

• Non-profit organizations, including:

  • Universities and research institutes

  • Academic associations

  • NGOs and NPOs

  • Art galleries or spaces deemed suitable for the program

• Projects should be implemented institutionally and primarily conducted in Thailand

• Applicants must cover a portion of project costs

• Organizations must have a bank account capable of receiving grant funds; if held in an individual’s name, additional documentation is required

Project Requirements

• Project duration: Must be implemented and completed within the Japanese fiscal year (April 1 – March 31)

• Grants can be used for project activities, research, programming, or events aligned with the program objectives

• Projects should have potential for development into future initiatives, including publications, exhibitions, or ongoing collaboration

How to Apply

1. Prepare a project proposal detailing:

   • Objectives, expected outcomes, and relevance to Japanese arts, culture, or intellectual exchange

   • Budget, including applicant contribution

   • Implementation plan with timeline

2. Submit required documentation, including bank account information for fund transfer

3. Ensure project completion within the Japanese fiscal year

4. Submit through the Japan Foundation, Bangkok application portal before the deadline

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Do not propose projects outside Thailand unless justified

• Ensure a portion of project costs is self-funded

• Avoid submitting projects heavily based on existing partnerships without innovation

• Verify bank account documentation for organizational eligibility

• Align project goals closely with Japanese arts, culture, or academic exchange

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Non-profit organizations, universities, research institutes, academic associations, NGOs, NPOs, or suitable art spaces in Thailand.

2. What is the maximum grant? Category A: 50,000 THB; Category B: 100,000 THB.

3. Can individuals apply? No, projects must be institutional; however, bank accounts may be individual with documentation.

4. When must the project be completed? By the end of the Japanese fiscal year, March 31.

5. Can the grant fund international travel? Travel may be included if essential to the project and aligned with program objectives.

6. Are existing partnership projects eligible? Yes, but lower priority may be given to projects that lack novelty.

7. How is the funding disbursed? Through bank transfer to the organization’s account, with additional documentation if necessary.

Conclusion

The Japan Foundation Small Grant Program supports innovative cultural and intellectual projects that strengthen understanding of Japan and foster regional exchange. This is an opportunity for Thai and regional organizations to create impactful initiatives in arts, culture, and academic collaboration.

For more information, visit The Japan Foundation, Bangkok.