High school student Scott Shepherd learning traditional Japanese carpentry techniques through the USJF-funded US-Japan Technical Connections program.

 


The Application Process

The first step in submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is to download the LOI “Cover Sheet

While most questions about the status of your application can be answered by referencing FAQ page. Please feel free to direct inquiries to programs@us-jf.org

Before finalizing an award, the Foundation requires a contract for proposals that are positively judged by our Board of Trustees. You will find information and links about the contract here “USJF Standard Contract Terms and Conditions.” . Even at the early stage of inquiry, it is important to understand the contractual requirements to avoid possible later confusion. If you are an institutional applicant, consultation with your legal department or representative about the contractual terms is essential.

Application Deadlines

The Foundation welcomes Letters of Inquiry no later June 28, 2024 for this year. Please electronically submit your LOI Cover Sheet and Letter of Inquiry of 3-4 pages to: programs@us-jf.org. This should include a brief description project and its objectives, any necessary background information on the project and applicant, and a brief budget estimate. Letters of Inquiry may be written in either Japanese or English. The Foundation cannot guarantee that Letters of Inquiry received after this date will be considered for the current grant cycle. Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed and decisions to invite a Full Proposal will be sent as soon as possible.

Full Proposals (in English) must be received by August 30. We are willing to give consideration outside this timetable to applications for time-sensitive projects.

2024 Funding Cycle
By June 28 Submission deadline for Letters of Inquiry. Please attach the Letter of Inquiry “Cover Sheet” along with your LOI
June 29 – August 29 Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed and responses sent via email, inviting select applicants to submit full proposals.
September 30 Deadline for receipt of Full Proposal (only invited Full Proposals will be considered)

October 1 – November 30

December 2

Internal / External /Board review of Full Proposals

Applicants will be notified of Foundation final decisions



Notes and Limitations

Before applying for a grant, please take the time to carefully review the following notes and limitations:

  • Grants can only be made to organizations holding non-profit status. Foundation grants may not be used for lobbying or to support election to public offices. The Foundation does not award grants as contributions to capital campaigns, endowment funds, deficit operations or for the construction or maintenance of buildings or other physical premises.
  • The Foundation accepts no responsibility for keeping any part of a request confidential and reserves the right to discuss a proposal with outside titled experts to assist the program staff in its evaluation.
  • The Foundation limits overhead expenses to 10% of the total project budget.


Proposal Guidelines

While grant proposals vary in content, style and length, the US-JF has specific requirements for the grant process. We make every effort to maintain a simple and clear application format.

Contact Information
United States-Japan Foundation
Questions about the Grants
should be directed to programs@us-jf.org