Apply for Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund Grant

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund Grant Program 2027 is providing financial support to organisations worldwide for projects that promote international understanding, cultural exchange, international cooperation, and academic or educational collaboration. The programme places particular emphasis on projects that have a clear association with Japan and contribute to the public interest. Eligible activities can include international cultural exchange initiatives, educational and academic projects, international cooperation programmes, and international conferences in basic natural sciences. For FY 2027, the programme expects to provide approximately ¥135 million in total grants, with a maximum grant of ¥5 million per project. Depending on the applicant’s country and the applicable funding rules, grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses, with higher support rates of 90% or 100% available for organisations in countries with a per capita GNI of US$5,000 or less, as specified in the programme guidelines.

About the Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund

The Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund Grant Program supports projects that contribute to international understanding and cooperation. The programme encourages activities that strengthen relationships between Japan and other countries through: - International cultural exchange - International goodwill - International cooperation - Academic collaboration - Educational collaboration - Public-interest activities - International conferences - Knowledge and cultural exchange A key consideration is the connection between the proposed project and Japan. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their activities contribute to international understanding and have relevance to Japan.

Objectives of the Grant Program

The programme aims to support projects that contribute to broader international cooperation and understanding. Supported activities should contribute to one or more of the following objectives: - Promoting international cultural exchange - Enhancing international goodwill - Strengthening international cooperation - Supporting academic collaboration - Encouraging educational cooperation - Promoting public-interest activities - Strengthening connections between Japan and international communities Projects should demonstrate why the proposed activity is important and how it will create benefits beyond the participating organisations. Japan World Exposition 1970 Fund Grant Amount The maximum grant available is ¥5 million per project. The total projected grant amount for FY 2027 is approximately ¥135 million. The programme does not necessarily cover the entire cost of a project. Grant support is calculated as a percentage of eligible project expenses. In general, grants may cover up to: - 75% of eligible project expenses - 90% or 100% for organisations in countries with a per capita GNI of US$5,000 or less, subject to the programme guidelines Applicants should therefore identify other sources of funding where necessary and prepare a realistic project budget showing the total cost and requested grant amount. Eligible Project Areas The grant programme supports several categories of projects related to international exchange and collaboration. International Cultural Exchange Projects can promote cultural understanding and exchange between Japan and other countries or communities. Activities may involve cultural presentations, exchange programmes, artistic or cultural collaboration, and other initiatives that strengthen mutual understanding. International Cooperation Projects supporting international cooperation may be eligible when they contribute to the public interest and align with the programme’s objectives. Applicants should explain the international significance of the project and the expected benefits for participating communities or organisations. Education and Academic Study The programme also supports eligible educational and academic activities. Projects should demonstrate how collaboration, knowledge sharing, research-related activities, or educational exchange can contribute to international understanding or cooperation. International Conferences in Basic Natural Sciences The programme can support international conferences in basic natural sciences when the meeting is considered important but operational funding is insufficient. However, conferences in engineering and medical science are excluded from this category. Applicants should demonstrate the academic importance of the conference and explain why existing operational funding is insufficient. Importance of a Japan Connection A clear association with Japan is an important feature of the programme. Applicants should explain the Japanese connection within the project’s concept, partnership, activities, academic or cultural focus, or expected international outcomes. Simply having an international component may not be sufficient. The proposal should clearly demonstrate why Japan is relevant to the project and how the project contributes to international understanding involving Japan. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible organisations worldwide.

Potential applicants include:

- Foreign national governments - Local governments - Public-interest organisations - Other organisations carrying out projects that contribute to the public interest - Organisations regardless of their corporate status, where permitted under the programme requirements The organisation must be responsible for implementing a project that contributes to the public interest and meets the programme’s eligibility requirements. Who Is Not Eligible? The following are not eligible to apply: - Individuals - Profit-making corporations The programme is intended for organisations undertaking public-interest projects rather than individuals or commercial businesses. Public-Interest Requirement A proposed project should provide a clear public benefit.