Apply now for Institutional Project Support – Small Grant Program (United States)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Institutional Project Support (IPS) Small Grant Program provides funding to U.S.-based institutions seeking to maintain or strengthen their Japanese Studies infrastructure. Established by The Japan Foundation, New York, the program supports institutions facing challenges in sustaining Japanese Studies and encourages innovative projects that promote the field across the United States. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for projects lasting up to one year, with funding available for faculty support, travel, teaching and research materials, academic events, and library or digital resources.

About the Institutional Project Support Small Grant Program

The IPS Small Grant Program was established to address challenges faced by U.S. institutions in maintaining and developing infrastructure for Japanese Studies.

The program aims to:

- Sustain Japanese Studies infrastructure. - Stimulate interest in Japanese Studies at small or newer institutions. - Encourage innovative approaches to promoting Japanese Studies. - Strengthen academic resources and activities related to Japan. - Support institutional partnerships within the United States and internationally. What Does the Grant Support? Funding can support a range of activities that contribute to the development and sustainability of Japanese Studies.

Eligible expenses may include:

- Faculty or instructor salaries and benefits. - Travel expenses for scholars and students. - Honoraria for lectures. - Research materials. - Teaching materials. - Conference expenses. - Seminar-related expenses. - Library resources. - Digital resource support. Applicants should demonstrate how the requested funding will directly contribute to promoting or maintaining Japanese Studies at their institution. Grant Amount and Duration

The IPS Small Grant Program provides:

- Up to $25,000 per grant. - Project duration of up to one year. Applicants should develop projects that can be realistically completed within the funding period and provide a clear connection between the proposed activities and the institution’s Japanese Studies goals. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are U.S.-based institutions and organizations that have: - 501(c)(3) status, or - Other qualifying tax-exempt status. The proposed project must be designed to promote Japanese Studies. Priority Applicants and Projects Priority is given to institutions and projects that address important infrastructure and sustainability challenges in Japanese Studies.

Particular priority is given to

- Institutions experiencing difficulties sustaining Japanese Studies infrastructure. - Small institutions without established Japanese Studies programs. - Projects that foster institutional partnerships. - Projects that maintain existing institutional partnerships. - Partnerships involving organizations in Japan. The program is particularly relevant to institutions seeking to establish, rebuild, or strengthen Japanese Studies activities. Institutional Partnerships The IPS program encourages projects that build relationships between institutions. Partnerships may include collaborations with organizations in Japan and can help institutions strengthen their Japanese Studies infrastructure through shared academic resources, activities, and expertise. Applicants should explain how a proposed partnership will contribute to the long-term development of Japanese Studies. Ineligible Costs Certain expenses cannot be supported through the IPS Small Grant Program.

Ineligible costs include:

- Indirect costs. - Overhead expenses. - Administrative staff salaries. - Long-term equipment purchases. - Real estate acquisition. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget focuses on eligible project activities and expenses directly connected to Japanese Studies. Ineligible Activities and Fields Funding cannot be used for political, religious, social welfare, or commercial activities. Projects focused on the following areas are also not eligible unless they form part of a comprehensive Japanese Studies project: - Medicine. - Manual training. - Natural sciences. - Sporting events. - Goodwill exchanges. - Social welfare. - International development. - Tourism. The central purpose of the proposal must therefore be the promotion or advancement of Japanese Studies. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate the need for institutional support and explain how the project will strengthen Japanese Studies.

Applicants should:

- Describe the current Japanese Studies infrastructure at the institution. - Explain any challenges affecting its sustainability. - Clearly define the proposed project. - Explain how the project promotes Japanese Studies. - Demonstrate the benefits for students, faculty, or the wider academic community. - Provide a realistic one-year implementation plan. - Clearly justify each requested expense. - Highlight institutional partnerships where relevant. - Explain how the project can contribute to the long-term development of Japanese Studies. Small and newer institutions should clearly explain how the grant would help establish or strengthen their Japanese Studies activities. Why the IPS Small Grant Program Matters Maintaining Japanese Studies programs can be challenging for smaller institutions or institutions with limited resources. The IPS Small Grant Program provides targeted support for infrastructure, teaching, research, academic events, and institutional partnerships. By supporting both established institutions facing sustainability challenges and smaller institutions seeking to develop Japanese Studies, the program contributes to a stronger and more diverse Japanese Studies community in the United States. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Institutional Project Support Small Grant Program? The IPS Small Grant Program is a funding opportunity established by The Japan Foundation, New York to help U.S. institutions maintain and enhance Japanese Studies infrast