Grant Opportunity for 2026 by Domestic Grant Program Japan Application Open, Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected, where global challenges now have direct local consequences. The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how closely linked societies are, while the growing impact of climate change has led to frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters. In addition, rising conflicts over limited resources and territories are no longer distant concerns—they are affecting nations like Japan and influencing the everyday lives of individuals.
At the domestic level, Japan is experiencing significant demographic and social shifts. An aging population and declining birth rates have led to widening gaps between generations and regions. At the same time, society is becoming more diverse, with people from varied nationalities, cultures, values, and lifestyles contributing to an increasingly complex social landscape.
As Japan stands at what can be described as a critical historical juncture, there is a pressing need to rethink and strengthen existing social systems, policies, and approaches. Leveraging rapidly advancing information technologies will be key to enhancing sustainability and unlocking future growth potential, both at the national and regional levels.
In response to these challenges, the domestic grant program has adopted the theme “Promoting a self-reliant and participatory society driven by innovative ideas in the new normal.” The program aims to empower individuals and communities to adapt to evolving realities, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to navigate change. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the initiative will support projects under two key grant categories.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 3rd June 2026
2026 Grant Categories for Grant Opportunity for 2026 by Domestic Grant Program Japan Application Open
1) Strengthening Systems and Human Resources for Self-Governing Societies in Japan
This category supports projects that aim to advance self-governing societies by developing sustainable systems and nurturing capable human resources. It focuses on initiatives that build upon practical experiences from specific regions, transforming localized knowledge into broader, transferable models. By identifying shared elements that enhance regional self-governance, these projects will test, refine, and formalize effective frameworks, tools, and approaches. A key emphasis is placed on enabling collaboration among diverse stakeholders across sectors, values, and disciplines, ensuring flexible and inclusive participation.
2) Building Foundations for Community-Level Self-Governance
This category encourages projects that strengthen the foundational structures required for self-governance at the local level. Starting from the everyday lives of individuals, these initiatives will reassess local resources and social relationships to foster a culture of initiative, participation, and collective action. Through continuous dialogue and engagement with diverse stakeholders, projects will aim to bridge differences in perspectives and positions, creating inclusive mechanisms that empower communities to work together toward shared goals and a sustainable future.
Eligibility Criteria and Complete Grant Overview for Grant Opportunity for 2026 by Domestic Grant Program Japan Application Open
| Category | 1) Systems Development & Human Resource Building for Autonomous Societies | 2) Strengthening Foundations for Local Autonomy |
| Eligible Projects | Focuses on creating long-term enabling environments for self-governing societies while nurturing future leaders through hands-on implementation. Projects should transform region-specific learnings into scalable models, identify shared success factors, and establish adaptable systems that enable collaboration among diverse stakeholders across sectors and values. | Emphasizes grassroots-level transformation by starting from individuals’ everyday lives. Projects should reassess local assets and community relationships, while building participatory frameworks that encourage initiative, cooperation, and collective action through continuous engagement with diverse stakeholders. |
| Project Requirements | 1. Must combine practical implementation with research expertise to generate transferable knowledge. | 1. Must involve cross-sector collaboration that bridges professions, backgrounds, and geographic boundaries. |
| 2. Should not be restricted to a single region or rely on simple replication of existing models. | 2. Should generate and validate knowledge that influences mindset and behavior change, with potential for replication in other regions. | |
| 3. Must integrate digital tools for validation, analysis, proposal development, and execution, while challenging conventional systems and practices. | 3. Must actively utilize ICT and digital tools for stakeholder engagement and information infrastructure (e.g., databases, cloud systems, online platforms, social media). | |
| Grant Period | November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2029 (3 Years) | November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2028 (2 Years) |
| Maximum Grant Amount | Up to 15 million yen per project | Up to 6 million yen per project |
| Total Funding Pool | Approx. 45 million yen (around 3 projects expected) | Approx. 45 million yen (around 8 projects expected) |
| Application Timeline | – | From April 1, 2026 to June 3, 2026 (Deadline: 3:00 PM) |
| Eligible Expenses | Covers full project execution costs including staff salaries and operational expenses. Digital system-related costs are capped at 5 million yen. Administrative expenses of the lead organization are allowed up to 10% of the requested budget. | Covers similar project-related expenses including human resources, operations, and digital infrastructure needed for implementation and stakeholder engagement. |
| Important Notes | Applicants must review detailed guidelines and participate in a mandatory pre-consultation using a concept document. Early scheduling is advised due to high demand. | While prior consultation or briefing sessions are optional, applicants should ensure thorough internal discussions among stakeholders before submission to align on objectives and requirements. |
| Pre-consultation date: May 27, 2026. |
How to apply?
To apply, please complete the entry (registration) via the “Application Entry” link located outside the table below. In addition to the “Grant Overview” listed above, please refer to the “Selection Committee Chair’s Post-Selection Comments” and “List of Grant Recipients” below, and also review the application guidelines and application manual before considering your specific project proposal.
1) Creating systems and developing human resources that will contribute to the further promotion of autonomous societies in Japan.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
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