Nippon Foundation
Overview
The Nippon Foundation is an independent, non-profit, grant-making organisation founded in 1962. It was established by legislation that set aside 3.3 percent of the revenues from motorboat racing to be used for philanthropic purposes.
The Foundation is providing aid to projects that fall under one of the following four major categories:
- public welfare in Japan;
- voluntary programs in Japan;
- maritime and ship-related projects; and
- overseas cooperative assistance.
Under the category of overseas cooperative assistance, they especially respect cross-border, transnational activities; local and regional undertakings that may fall outside the reach of the public sector or other donor agencies; and initiatives to tackle pressing issues and long-range or persistent problems that require prompt and systemized care. Grants are given to programs planned and conducted by overseas non-profit organizations in such areas as basic human needs, human resources development, and promotion of international cooperation.
Fields of Activity
- ENHANCING COMMUNITIES
- IN THE CAUSE OF LIFE
- A FUTURE FOR YOUTH
- ENRICHING CULTURE
- THE FUTURE OF OUR OCEAN
- TOWARD HUMAN SECURITY
- FORGING GLOBAL TIES
Basic Considerations
Due weight will be given to proposals which contain at least one of the following:
- Pragmatic and realistic approaches to issues and problems
- Potential for future development and self-sustainability
- Far-reaching social and regional impact
- Pioneering significance; creating new visions and acting as catalyst for positive changes and social transformations
- A diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, social class, cultures and societies
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants for The Nippon Foundation's overseas grants must be non-profit organizations based outside of Japan. They can be local, regional or international NGOs/NPOs, and include educational and research institutions. The Foundation does not accept applications from, nor provide grants to, private individuals or for-profit organizations.
Proposal Eligibility
The Nippon Foundation's overseas grants support non-profitable and institutional initiatives. Any program that is already in its operational phase is not eligible for grant consideration. In addition, The Foundation does not accept proposals of the following nature:
- Profit-making
- Fundraising for general purposes
- Financial assistance to individuals, such as through direct scholarships
- Debt repayment
- Activities of a religious or political nature
Lower priority is given to projects for which the following features or goals are the main objectives, and not an integral part of a broader program:
- Construction or physical infrastructure development
- Acquisition of real estate
- Asset building
- General managerial/overhead costs
- Publications, films, TV or radio programs
- Basic research
- In-house training
Eligibility is not contingent on the amount requested. The Foundation generally accepts multiple-year project proposals spanning a period of less than five years, but they must undergo screening every year. In principle, indirect costs should not exceed 10% of direct costs. Resubmission of previously rejected proposals cannot be accepted.
For overseas project examples visit the website here