The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF) is proud to announce its 2025 grantees, awarding funding to a wide range of organizations working to deepen U.S.-Japan ties and address shared challenges through bold and innovative approaches.
The funded projects reflect the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting nonprofit, academic, and grassroots initiatives that promote mutual understanding, civic engagement, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving across the Pacific. They span a diverse array of fields, including education, free speech, social entrepreneurship, music, art, film, gender politics, food, and public diplomacy.
“This year’s grantees embody the spirit of partnership, creativity, and purpose that has long defined the U.S.-Japan relationship,” said USJF President Jacob M. Schlesinger. “As we enter a new chapter in our mission, we are excited to support organizations that not only strengthen bilateral ties but also apply those ties to the urgent global challenges we face—from climate change and economic transparency to misinformation and democratic resilience.”
The full list of 2025 grantees and project descriptions can be found here: https://us-jf.org/en/grants-awarded-january-2025
Applications for the next quarterly round of funding are now open. Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) must be submitted by June 27, 2025, to be considered for review later this year. Time-sensitive proposals will be considered on a rolling basis. More information about the application process is available at: https://us-jf.org/en/grants
USJF is currently evaluating grant applications submitted during the first quarter submission period that ended March 28.
Since its founding, USJF has awarded more than $100 million in grants to organizations and individuals in both countries. An independent, endowed, charitable foundation, USJF supports partnerships that generate knowledge, promote dialogue, and equip future leaders to shape a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient U.S.-Japan relationship.
In addition to its grantmaking, USJF operates the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program, a 20-year-old network of over 500 American and Japanese leaders across government, academia, business, and the arts. Some of the grants awarded in this round are the result of the Foundation's new stipend program created to encourage USJLP fellows to launch new social-impact ventures.