Japan America Society (JAS) Initiative
| Proposal deadline: |
Deadline Passed |
| Funding opportunity: |
Institutional funding |
| Funding period: | 3 years |
| Funding maximum: |
$100,000/year |
| Contact: |
Renay Loper |
Program Detail
In order to encourage sustained growth and innovation of Japan America Societies (JAS) in the United States, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) launched the JAS Initiative in 2008 to support networking and capacity building of Japan America Societies.
Recognizing the value of the Japan America Societies in fostering mutual understanding between the US and Japan on a grassroots level, CGP is continuing with the JAS Initiative.
In order to further strengthen Japan America Societies in the NAJAS network and to enhance their effectiveness in carrying out their mission, the JAS Initiative will support capacity building and/or networking projects that demonstrate feasibility and organizational sustainability.
Individual grants of up to $100,000/year for a maximum of three years will be awarded to Japan America Societies with NAJAS membership that demonstrate clear and achievable proposals for growth, sustainability and impact.
Projects are required to include at least one event component (symposiums, conferences, or workshops). Target projects include but are not limited to:
Projects are required to include at least one event component (symposiums, conferences, or workshops). Target projects include but are not limited to:
• Strategic planning. Conduct strategic planning to ensure that organizational leaders and staff have a clear and unified understanding of the Society’s long-term goals and priorities, ensuring readiness for capacity building.
• Fundraising. Expand membership and enhance revenue through careful planning to ensure sustainability and growth of the Society.
• Program development. Create innovative programs to attract new membership, reach new target population, or enhance fundraising prospects to ensure the Society’s financial sustainability.
• Networking. Enhance networks among Japan American Societies and/or other key Japan-related organizations for achieving greatest impact on a regional or national level.
Priorities
The JAS Initiative’s priority will be Japan America Societies that demonstrate not only the needs and feasibility of their projects, but evidence a readiness to participate in capacity building and/or networking projects.
Thus, Japan America Societies that are successful applicants must demonstrate at a minimum:
• Mid and long-term vision for organization. A strategic plan must be present to ensure that board members and staff are aligned with the Society’s mission and goals, and detail a way to measure organizational effectiveness and progress. *If Society does not already have clear mid and long-term vision, first year of grant project may include conducting strategic planning.
• Board commitment. As Societies that have strong and stable leadership are more likely to gain from capacity building efforts, applicants must secure commitments for the project from key board members. Detailed letters of commitment are required from all key board members.
• Community collaboration. In order to maximize potential impact of the project, collaboration with the Society’s larger community, including partnerships with universities, museums, businesses, civic societies, gardens, etc., is essential. Detailed letters of commitment are required from all key collaborating organizations.
Please note, all ongoing projects and existing networks will be given low priority.
Eligibility
Only nonprofit organizations in the US with 501(c)3 status and NAJAS membership are eligible.Project duration can be up to three (3) years. Project must start no earlier than January 1, 2012 and no later than March 31, 2012.
The grant amount is up to $100,000 each year, but will be decided after reviewing each project in terms of scale and necessity. We anticipate that the standard grant size will range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Application Process
1. Concept Papers due by Thursday, June 30, 2011
CGP requests concept papers from prospective applicants prior to the submission of a full proposal to determine whether the project falls within program guidelines and priorities. Concept papers must include at least:
• 2-3 page narrative (no maximum)
• request amount (total and per year)
• timeline of activities including project start date
• budget outline
Concept papers must be received by June 30, 2011 and should be submitted via email to jas-initiative@cgp.org.
2. Full Proposals due by September 30, 2011
After concept paper review, the applicant will be notified by July 31, 2011 if invited to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals must be received by September 30, 2011. Projects must begin no earlier than January 1, 2012 and no later than March 31, 2012.
3. Review Process
Proposals may be reviewed with the assistance of outside specialists. The identity of those specialists, as well as their evaluation of projects, shall remain confidential. Applicants will be notified of the results of the review process by December 1, 2011.
4. Grant Application Instructions
Full Proposals must include the following sections, arranged in this order:
1. CGP grant application cover sheet with original signatures of Authorized Representative and Project Director (two different individuals)
2. Narrative description of the project
3. Letters from key board members and collaborating organizations/individuals
4. Organization survey and chart
5. Detailed project budget and budget narrative
6. Project timetable
7. Curricula vitae for key participants
8. Institutional information (annual report, annual budget, etc.)
9. Proof of tax-exempt status
For the guidelines with the detailed instructions on submitting a full proposal, please download this PDF.
Submit all materials to:
If invited, full proposals must be received by September 30, 2011 and should be submitted via email to jas-initiative@cgp.org and hardcopy:
ATTN: JAS Initiative
Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP)
152 W. 57th St, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10019