July 2024

This scholarship provides women immigrants and refugees in Japan equal access to higher education, believing a degree leads to a safe, productive life. Focusing on two-year vocational degrees, the program offers crucial financial and non-financial support. This methodology provides the fastest, most economic road to job security and financial independence. The resulting stable status opens a pathway to a work visa, while influencing community mindsets regarding continued education.

Location: Aichi, Japan
Grant Awarded: ¥12,000,000

The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) is conducting a 9-month scoping project focused on Japanese NPOs supporting foreign residents. Using research and interviews with 10–12 NPOs, the project will identify their challenges and the knowledge they seek from international experience, particularly the United States. This will inform the viability of a future program connecting Japanese NPOs with US immigration experts to promote mutual learning and the successful integration of foreign residents.

Location: New York, NY
Grant Awarded: $35,000

The Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform program proposes fostering Non-Profit Startups (NPSs) in Japan to address significant social challenges like inequality and climate justice through scalable, non-market solutions. This project implements the “PEP for Non-Profit Startup Accelerator Program” (Batch 1 and Batch 2), a program designed to teach scaling methodologies that leverage policy and technology. Through lectures and workshops, it supports individuals and organizations working in non-market sectors to maximize their social impact. This initiative aims to energize the NPS field and create a sustainable social innovation ecosystem in Japan.

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Grant Awarded: ¥9,900,000

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is launching a project to strengthen Japan's civic space and promote U.S.-Japan philanthropic exchange by improving the non-profit regulatory framework. Activities include creating a Civic Freedom Monitor report and updating the Council on Foundations Country Note to clarify NPO laws for U.S. donors. Additionally, ICNL will commission a white paper on regulatory reform and organize a convening with civil society, government, and other stakeholders to discuss potential enabling reforms to Japan's non-profit law framework.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Grant Awarded: $68,143