United States-Japan Foundation Communication and Public Opinion grants program

The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF) invites applications for its Communication and Public Opinion grants program. 

The USJF supports projects that aim to enhance communication and mutual understanding between the American and Japanese people. Technology has evolved, and the institutions and topics of conversation keep changing, but the high value of greater awareness and communication among average citizens, as well as leaders in a variety of fields from the two countries is a constant. The foundation will consider communication and public opinion projects that not only raise awareness about Japan in the U.S. and/or U.S. in Japan, but also deal with concrete issues that affect the bilateral relationship (or are faced by the two nations). As foreign policy increasingly is subject to public opinion (and is often influenced by non-governmental actors), there is a need in both countries for increased and more diversified coverage of international news and current events, as well as strong links between certain non-government organizations (NGOs) to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

In addition, since mutual understanding between American and Japanese society requires deeper cultural knowledge, the foundation occasionally supports documentary films, performances, exhibitions, and lectures that focus on Japanese/American culture.

Grants will focus on the following areas: print media, broadcast media, internet, NGO/NPO links, documentary film/video (and other multi-media), opinion polling/public opinion research, and exhibitions.

Letters of inquiry are due June 28, 2024, and upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, due September 30, 2024.

Grants can only be made to organizations holding nonprofit status.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the United States-Japan Foundation website.