Establishment of "Certified NPO National Network" to Enhance Social Recognition and Trust of Certified NPOs Working on the Front Lines of Social Issues

Congrant Inc. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Nishi Ward, CEO Masataka Sato), which provides a DX system for donations to the social sector and corporations, has established the "Certified NPO National Network" in June 2026. This network aims to expand the resources necessary for the management of certified NPOs by having certified NPOs nationwide form a single group and strengthen the mediation connecting society and organizations. A press conference for the establishment was held at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on July 2, 2026, with seven certified NPO corporations from various fields presenting.

What is a Certified NPO Corporation?

A certified NPO corporation is an NPO corporation recognized for its high public interest in organizational management and business activities, and which has been certified under the certification system established in 2001. By receiving certification, donors are eligible for preferential tax treatment, such as a tax credit of up to approximately half of their donation amount. As of the end of May 2026, there are 1,317 certified NPO corporations (100% compared to the previous year) out of a total of 48,944 NPO corporations nationwide (99% compared to the previous year). They are active in a wide range of fields, including child support, healthcare, welfare, disaster recovery, and international cooperation.

Why Launch This Network Now?

Twenty-five years have passed since the establishment of the certified NPO corporation system. During this time, Japan's social structure and living conditions have undergone significant changes, including a decrease in the number of marriages, an increase in the number of elderly people living alone, and a rise in the number of students absent from school. While social security benefit payments have increased 1.7 times in 25 years (Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Benefits and Burdens"), it has become difficult to supplement public assistance due to population decline. New challenges have emerged that cannot be addressed by existing systems alone, such as young caregivers, loneliness and isolation, and foreign residents.

These societal changes are expected to accelerate further in the future due to shifts in industrial structure, global instability, and the rise of AI.

During the period of population growth and economic expansion, the social safety net could be maintained by combining public assistance and local mutual aid. However, with population decline and the weakening of local communities, mutual aid has shrunk, and it is time for reform to foster mutual aid.

We have launched the Certified NPO National Network to improve the management environment for certified NPO corporations, expand all resources provided to them, and enhance their presence as a safety net infrastructure capable of addressing a wider range of social issues.

Comments from Presenters

We received expectations for the Certified NPO National Network and messages from the field from the following seven organizations:

Ms. Yuka Iwatsuki (Representative), ACE

There are many systemic challenges, such as restrictions on donation tax deductions, requirements for certified NPO renewal, and rules for remitting funds to organizations operating overseas. Currently, organizations are unable to fully utilize their inherent capabilities due to the business environment, which the network's activities aim to change.

Ms. Yumiko Watanabe (Chairperson), Kids Door

I feel that NPOs are less trusted in Japan compared to other countries. We have actually experienced backlash, which can hinder our activities. I hope that the establishment of such a network will increase the overall trust in NPOs.

Mr. Gon Matsunaka (Representative Director), Good Aging Yells

In Japan, it is difficult to raise donations for LGBTQ+ issues, and we often rely on donations from overseas. I hope that the establishment of the network will increase awareness of the issues we address and our organization, making fundraising and individual activities easier.

Mr. Shoma Okamoto (Representative Director), Sakura Line 311

The social issues faced by certified NPOs are significant, not limited to disaster prevention and mitigation. It would be beneficial to promote more information sharing and collaboration among organizations. Furthermore, areas that receive less attention or whose results are difficult to quantify tend to struggle with funding. Local NPOs often face severe financial constraints. While competition and self-effort are necessary, it would be beneficial if the environment were improved to allow each organization to thrive.

Mr. Shingo Koshikawa (Secretary General), Japan Platform

Certified NPO corporations meet strict standards for public interest, operations, and management, but there are limits to what individual organizations can convey regarding their credibility. We expect that by appealing as a network, it will become a great force in elevating and developing NPOs as a whole.

Ms. Sho Sato (Secretary General), Japan Heart

Social issues are complex and intertwined, and cannot be solved by a single organization. It is important for certified NPOs to exchange information, collaborate, and cooperate with each other. Furthermore, by uniting certified NPO corporations in Japan, we can gain social trust and have our activities and achievements recognized internationally.

Ms. Taeko Okada (Chairperson), Buddy Team

There is still a lack of intermediary support roles that assist certified NPO corporations. It would be beneficial to share information among organizations, such as successful examples of public-private partnerships. I also have expectations for fostering a culture of donation. I believe that making donations a common practice will contribute to the ease of organizational activities.

Initiatives of the Certified NPO National Network

The network will offer the following initiatives:

Workshops led by Certified NPOs

Workshops where representatives of certified NPO organizations share practical knowledge and experience. These will be held regularly to promote mutual learning and exchange among organizations. Themes will cover various learning opportunities from the perspectives of "organization," "business," and "finance."

Example Themes: Organizational Management Theory by Certified NPO Representatives, Business Models Utilizing AI, Fundraising Strategy Development

Holding of the Certified NPO Conference ignite!

As one of Japan's largest conferences bringing together certified NPOs at the forefront of social issue resolution, we will hold an annual event for discussions and dissemination aimed at improving management capabilities, supporting organizational growth, and promoting institutional reform. Registered network organizations can participate free of charge for up to two people.

Details about ignite! can be found here:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000123.000068908.html

System Improvement and Various Proposals

We will work towards improving the system, in collaboration with experts and organizations, by consolidating and organizing on-site feedback from certified NPO corporations regarding challenges such as "complexity of acquisition requirements," "variations in response by competent authorities," and "heavy administrative burden," aiming for a better state of the certified NPO system.

Consultation Desk for Accounting, Tax, and Legal Matters

A consultation desk where NPOs can consult with experts about their unique challenges in accounting, tax, and legal matters at any time. Consultations received will be anonymized, accumulated, and shared within the network, creating a system that all certified NPOs nationwide can utilize as common knowledge.

Branding

Through initiatives such as information dissemination from the network and an awards system, we will widely communicate the activities and value of certified NPOs to society, enhance their presence as leaders addressing social issues, and aim for a society where certified NPOs are chosen as donation recipients (e.g., awards system, collaboration with celebrities/artists, awareness of donation tax credits).

Corporate Partnerships

We will create opportunities for the Certified NPO National Network and corporations to meet and interact, promoting collaborations that utilize corporate resources. We will also create opportunities to deepen the understanding of corporations regarding certified NPOs and social issues, leading to co-creation.

In addition, we are considering the following initiatives:

Connecting with regional certified NPOs and sharing information through local outreach

Matching certified NPOs with corporations (planning support, referral support)

Strengthening fundraising efforts, including donations, using new technologies

Awards system for excellent activities (individual organizations, corporate partnerships)

Linking private donation organizations to the My Number portal with the National Tax Agency and private delivery service providers

Dissemination of activity impact and success stories

Comment from Representative Masataka Sato

Certified NPO corporations are vital social infrastructure in Japan, operating at the forefront of social issues. However, many organizations face similar challenges and seek solutions in isolation.

Through this network, we want to create a system where certified NPOs can learn from and support each other, and be supported by society as a whole.

List of Registered Certified NPOs

A list of registered certified NPO corporations can be found here:

https://congrant.notion.site/npo-network#35414b833d5480c5af1dc1bbc6c47cf2

Participation and Registration for Certified NPOs

Any certified NPO corporation can participate free of charge.

Register for free via the registration form

Receive email newsletters (approximately once a month)

Participate in quarterly workshops

Participate in the annual conference ignite!

Register for free here:

https://forms.gle/AwuN8k1AwzVwTCcX6

About Congrant Inc.

Congrant Inc. provides a "donation DX system" centered on donation payment processing for the social sector and corporations. We offer everything necessary for NPO management, including donation solicitation, payment processing, and CRM, with over 4,100 organizations adopted and total donation transaction volume exceeding 16 billion yen. We also promote DX for corporate and employee donations, contributing to the improvement and development of disclosure items related to human capital for large corporations.

[Company Name] Congrant Inc.

[Representative] Masataka Sato, Representative Director and CEO

[Established] May 11, 2020

[Location] 6F Edobori East Building, 1-22-17 Edobori, Nishi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 550-0002

[Website] https://congrant.com/jp/