April marks the start of a new financial year. NPO KIZUNA has also taken a new step, but securing funds to sustain and expand activities is a shared challenge for many nonprofits. Here, we have selected grants of interest this spring with strengths in our specialist fields of education and international cooperation.
[Major grants to watch this spring and summer]
▼ Staff recommendations for this month
Nippon Life Foundation: Community Welfare Challenge Activities Grant
• Application period: 1 March–29 May 2026
• Details: Up to ¥4 million for pioneering welfare activities involving older people, children and inclusive communities. For educational inequality in Japan and creating places where local children belong.
Mizuho Education and Welfare Foundation: Volunteer Activity Funding Grant
• Application deadline: 22 May 2026. • Details: For the operating costs of grassroots educational activities.
Red Feather: Grant to Support Activities for People Who Have Lost a Place to Belong
• Application deadline: 27 April 2026
• Details: For educational support responding to rising prices, loneliness and isolation.
[The Nippon Foundation: Applications Accepted Throughout the Year]: For urgent needs in Bangladesh and pioneering projects in Japan.
For children’s community cafeterias: FamilyMart & Musubie Grant to Support the Launch of Kodomo Shokudo
• Application deadline: 30 April 2026
◎ Useful links
CANPAN Grant Information https://fields.canpan.info/grant/
Grant Portal https://hojyokin-portal.jp/
JANPIA (dormant deposits) https://www.janpia.or.jp/