Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Special Grant Program for Japanese-Language Advocacy Projects 

This limited-time special grant is designed to support non-profit Japanese-language educational institutions (including primary/secondary schools, colleges, universities, and heritage language schools) or Japanese-language related organizations in the U.S. to implement their ADVOCACY(*) projects for the purpose of strengthening and promoting the foreign language education that includes Japanese-language.

The primary objective is to support Japanese-language educators to allow them to conduct ADVOCACY projects with the purpose of developing networks with stakeholders who assist in maintaining their Japanese-language programs as well as to deepen their understanding of the importance/appeal of foreign language education that includes Japanese-language.

 (*) Please refer to the following JFLA website if you are not familiar with the term,“Advocacy”:

http://www.jflalc.org/index.php?act=tpt&id=456

 Condition of Grant  

1.  Grant Amount:  The grant amount will be up to $2,000 per project and may be less than the full amount requested.

2.  The followings are EXAMPLES of eligible items for support:

l Expenses for venue (rental fee for venue and equipments, etc.)

l Expenses for inviting key participants (honorarium if necessary, etc.)

l Expenses for printing programs/flyers/handouts/brochures, etc.

3.  The Following items are NOT eligible for support: *

l Any food or drinks

l Indirect costs that are not directly needed to carry out the proposed project

l Any overhead costs (administrative costs of the managing division, including staff salary, etc.)

* There may be other items that we may deem ineligible for support not stated above. Please consult with the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for the details.

4.  The ADVOCACY project must be completed by March 31, 2011.

 Eligibility    

 1.         Applicants must be from a non-profit educational institution/organization involved in Japanese-language education.

2.         In principle, the Japan Foundation does not provide grants for:

(1)       Foreign governments, including their administrative organs such as ministries and their embassies and consulate-general in Japan; excluding academic, cultural, or research institutes such as universities and museums; and

(2)       International organizations to which the Japanese government makes a financial contribution.

3.         Receipt of grants or benefits from the Japan Foundation must not violate any organization, local, state or federal laws and ordinances, etc. (please confirm this before applying).

4.         Applicants must have a bank account or be able to open one in the institution’s name capable of accepting grants from the Japan Foundation.

5.         Applicants must have the necessary capabilities to implement their planned projects.

6.         Projects need to fulfill the following requirements to be eligible:

(1)       The plan and method of implementation must be appropriate and there must be ample expectations that the project will yield positive results;

(2)       This grant must not be used for religious or political purposes; and

(3)       The grant must not be used for commercial activities.

 Obligations    

1.         The Japan Foundation’s grant programs are operated in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the Japan Foundation.

2.         Please indicate the Japan Foundation as a supporter in any publications distributed by the grantee, if any.

3.         Final Report (project & financial reports) should be submitted within one month after the completion of the project.

 Selection Method    

Applications will be selected based on the following criteria:

・       Expected outcome and benefits to the Japanese-language programs as well as Japanese-language education in the region from the successful implementation of the proposed advocacy project,

・       Role/influence of the applying institution/organization in the region,

・       Contents of the project,

・       Key participants (target individuals who the applicant is trying to advocate/network with),

・       Level of financial need and potential funding sources other than the Japan Foundation, including its own funds,

・       Feasibility of the planned project including implementation, framework, scheduling, etc.

 Application Method    

1.         Please contact the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA), before applying for this grant. (Email: language@jflalc.org) If you do not contact the JFLA in advance, your application may be rejected.

2.         JFLA recommends that you consult with the Japanese Consulate office in your area regarding your project.

3.         APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Please submit your grant proposal(s) to The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles at least 2 months prior to the starting date of the project.  The JFLA does not accept applications submitted by e-mail or fax. Early submission is encouraged.

Mailing Address:      The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles

                             c/o Japanese Language Education Grants

                                                                           333 S Grand Ave,  Suite #2250

Los Angeles, CA 90071

      Application Materials

•      Application Instructions
•      Application Form

 Post Application Method    

1.         Notice of Grant Approval

The grant results will be announced 3 weeks prior to the project starting date.  The JFLA will send an official letter (“Notice of Grant Approval”) along with the related documents such as “Terms and Conditions”, “Acceptance/Non-Acceptance of Grant” form, “Application for Payment” form and “Final Report” form (Project and Financial Reports), etc.

2.         Submission of “Acceptance/Non-Acceptance of Grant” form to the JFLA

3.         Implementation of Project

4.         Submission of “Application for Payment” form, “Final Report” form (Project and Financial Reports), and proof of payments (copies of receipts, invoices, etc.) to the JFLA

(Submission Due: within one month after the completion of the project)

5.         Grant Payment

The JFLA reviews the final report (project/financial report and proof of payments) to finalize the grant amount, and then an official letter (“Confirmation of Payment”) will be sent along with a payment check to confirm the completion of grant.