Mitene Fund Opens Applications for 5th Stage 'Step-up Grant' Starting April 28
Mitene Fund, established by MIXI founder Kenji Kasahara, has announced the call for applications for its 5th 'Step-up Grant' program. The initiative supports NPOs working on child and family welfare by providing up to 10 million yen to strengthen their organizational and operational foundations.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:00
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The Mitene Fund (Shibuya, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kenji Kasahara) has launched its fifth public call for applications for the 'Step-up Grant.' The fund aims to create a world where all children and their families can live happily by supporting non-profit organizations that tackle social issues surrounding them.
## About the 'Step-up Grant'
The Mitene Fund has operated two main grant programs: the 'Innovation Grant,' which supports groundbreaking initiatives, and the 'Step-up Grant,' which focuses on strengthening the organizational foundations of steadily active groups. This 5th stage implements the Step-up Grant to help regional organizations across Japan solidify their business and organizational structures, enabling them to move to the next level of impact.
## Application Overview
This grant provides up to 10 million yen (for a maximum of two years) to help non-profits solidify their operational base and advance their organization's stage.
**Target Areas:** Organizations engaged in social contribution activities in five domains: 'Intractable Diseases/Disabilities,' 'Education,' 'Poverty,' 'Childbirth/Childcare,' and 'Abuse.'
**Target Regions:** Mainly initiatives within Japan, though overseas projects are also eligible.
**Eligible Organizations:** Non-profit organizations such as NPOs, foundations, and social welfare corporations. (General foundations/associations are limited to non-profit types).
**Number of Selections:** Approximately 10 organizations.
**Amount:** Maximum 10 million yen per organization.
**Total Fund:** Maximum 100 million yen.
**Duration:** October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028.
**Application Period:** April 28, 2026 – June 17, 2026 (Noon JST).
## Message from Kenji Kasahara, Representative Director
'The Step-up Grant is a program to push organizations that have long been rooted in their communities to strengthen their base so they can support more children and families. We don't just deliver funds; we stand on the same level as the organizations, carefully nurturing relationships. Social issues are complex and don't change overnight. That's why supporting the foundation of these groups is crucial. I look forward to meeting passionate teams this term.'
## About the Mitene Fund
The fund began in April 2020 with personal capital from Kenji Kasahara, founder and director of MIXI, Inc., marking the 5th anniversary of the child photo-sharing app 'Family Album Mitene.' It focuses on solving issues in five specific domains to ensure a happy world for all children.
**Trust-Based Philanthropy:** The fund views grant recipients as partners working together toward a common goal. It prioritizes a supportive environment that is easy for organizations to navigate, fostering trust over traditional hierarchy.
## About the 'Step-up Grant'
The Mitene Fund has operated two main grant programs: the 'Innovation Grant,' which supports groundbreaking initiatives, and the 'Step-up Grant,' which focuses on strengthening the organizational foundations of steadily active groups. This 5th stage implements the Step-up Grant to help regional organizations across Japan solidify their business and organizational structures, enabling them to move to the next level of impact.
## Application Overview
This grant provides up to 10 million yen (for a maximum of two years) to help non-profits solidify their operational base and advance their organization's stage.
**Target Areas:** Organizations engaged in social contribution activities in five domains: 'Intractable Diseases/Disabilities,' 'Education,' 'Poverty,' 'Childbirth/Childcare,' and 'Abuse.'
**Target Regions:** Mainly initiatives within Japan, though overseas projects are also eligible.
**Eligible Organizations:** Non-profit organizations such as NPOs, foundations, and social welfare corporations. (General foundations/associations are limited to non-profit types).
**Number of Selections:** Approximately 10 organizations.
**Amount:** Maximum 10 million yen per organization.
**Total Fund:** Maximum 100 million yen.
**Duration:** October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028.
**Application Period:** April 28, 2026 – June 17, 2026 (Noon JST).
## Message from Kenji Kasahara, Representative Director
'The Step-up Grant is a program to push organizations that have long been rooted in their communities to strengthen their base so they can support more children and families. We don't just deliver funds; we stand on the same level as the organizations, carefully nurturing relationships. Social issues are complex and don't change overnight. That's why supporting the foundation of these groups is crucial. I look forward to meeting passionate teams this term.'
## About the Mitene Fund
The fund began in April 2020 with personal capital from Kenji Kasahara, founder and director of MIXI, Inc., marking the 5th anniversary of the child photo-sharing app 'Family Album Mitene.' It focuses on solving issues in five specific domains to ensure a happy world for all children.
**Trust-Based Philanthropy:** The fund views grant recipients as partners working together toward a common goal. It prioritizes a supportive environment that is easy for organizations to navigate, fostering trust over traditional hierarchy.