Submit Applications for Institutional Project Support Program (United States)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Japan Foundation Institutional Project Support (IPS) Program is inviting U.S.-based institutions and organizations with qualifying tax-exempt status to apply for grants supporting innovative and sustainable growth in Japanese Studies. The programme places particular priority on proposals that create new permanent or tenure-track faculty positions in Japanese Studies. Small and newly established institutions, especially those without existing graduate-level Japanese Studies programmes, are encouraged to apply. Eligible projects can receive up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of three years, providing a potential total grant of $450,000.

About the Institutional Project Support Program

The Institutional Project Support Program is designed to strengthen the field of Japanese Studies in the United States through institutional initiatives that address significant needs and opportunities within the discipline. The programme supports projects that can create lasting institutional capacity rather than focusing only on short-term activities.

Applications may be submitted by:

- Individual institutions. - Collaborating institutions. - Consortia. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activities will contribute to the sustained development of Japanese Studies. Priority for New Faculty Positions A major priority of the IPS Program is the creation of new permanent or tenure-track faculty positions in Japanese Studies. Institutions proposing sustainable faculty appointments are particularly encouraged to apply. The programme gives priority to projects that: - Create sustainable Japanese Studies faculty positions. - Address national needs in Japanese Studies. - Build long-term institutional capacity. - Include outreach and collaboration with institutions or organizations in Japan. For faculty hiring projects, grant funding may be structured to accommodate the timing of faculty searches and appointments, provided that the total grant request remains within the programme’s maximum funding limit. Support for Small and New Institutions Small and newly established institutions are especially encouraged to submit proposals. The programme also welcomes applications from institutions that do not currently have established graduate-level Japanese Studies programmes. This makes the IPS Program particularly relevant to institutions seeking to build or expand Japanese Studies capacity rather than only those with long-established programmes. What Activities Can the Grant Support? The Institutional Project Support Program provides flexibility to support a broad range of activities connected to Japanese Studies.

Eligible project expenses may include:

- Faculty salaries. - Instructor salaries. - Travel expenses. - Honoraria for lectures. - Visiting scholar support. - Undergraduate scholarships. - Graduate student support. - Internships. - Study abroad opportunities. - Research materials. - Teaching materials. - Conference expenses. - Seminar expenses. - Library resources. - Digital resources. Japanese language-related activities may also be included when they form part of a comprehensive Japanese Studies project. Faculty and Instructor Salaries Grant funding may support faculty and instructor salaries associated with the proposed Japanese Studies initiative. Projects seeking to establish new sustainable faculty positions are particularly aligned with the programme’s priorities. Institutions should demonstrate how the proposed positions will contribute to the long-term development of Japanese Studies within their academic programmes. Student Support The programme can also support activities benefiting undergraduate and graduate students.

Potential forms of support include:

- Scholarships. - Internships. - Study abroad opportunities. - Graduate support. - Undergraduate support. These activities can help expand student participation in Japanese Studies and provide opportunities for academic and experiential learning. Visiting Scholars, Lectures and Academic Events The grant can support visiting scholar activities as well as academic programming.

Eligible expenses may include:

- Visiting scholar support. - Lecture honoraria. - Conferences. - Seminars. - Related travel expenses. These activities can help institutions expand academic exchange and strengthen connections within the Japanese Studies community. Research, Teaching and Digital Resources Funding may also be used for research and instructional resources.

Supported resources can include:

- Research materials. - Teaching materials. - Library resources. - Digital resources. Such investments can strengthen the academic infrastructure needed to sustain Japanese Studies programmes. Japanese Language Components Japanese language-related components may be included in an IPS proposal. However, language activities should form part of a broader and comprehensive Japanese Studies project. The programme is therefore intended to support Japanese Studies as a wider academic field rather than isolated language instruction alone. Collaboration With Institutions in Japan Applications involving outreach and collaboration with institutions or organizations in Japan receive priority. Such partnerships can strengthen international academic exchange and create opportunities for institutions in the United States to expand their Japanese Studies networks. Applicants should explain how proposed collaborations contribute to the broader goals and sustainability of their project. Funding Available The IPS Program provides a pre-paid grant of up to: - $150,000 per year

- Maximum grant period: Three years

- Maximum total grant: $450,000

The total amount requested cannot exceed $450,000. Projects may last for up to three years. Matching Funds Requirement Applicants must be prepared to provide matching funds equal to the Japan Foundation grant amount.

Matching contributions may consist of:

- Cash contributions. - In-kind contributions. This means that institutions s