Designing 'Opportunities for Engagement' in an Era of Volunteer Shortage: Online Seminar for Government and Municipalities

Service Grant, a certified NPO based in Shibuya, Tokyo (Representative Directors: Shoko Okamoto, Yoshiaki Makino), will host an online seminar titled 'Designing 'Opportunities for Engagement' in an Era of Volunteer Shortage: The Potential of Pro Bono for Civic Participation' on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, starting at 13:30.

This seminar will introduce 'pro bono'—a volunteer activity where professionals apply their occupational skills and experience to solve community and social challenges—as a practical mechanism to alleviate volunteer shortages and promote civic engagement. Drawing on advanced case studies from government agencies and intermediary support organizations across Japan, the seminar will share and discuss the outcomes and potential of pro bono initiatives with participants.

Background of the Seminar

Currently, many NPOs and local community organizations that support regional societies face the serious challenge of 'volunteer shortages.' According to a Cabinet Office survey, approximately 65.6% of NPOs and about 86.1% of neighborhood associations and similar local groups cite a lack of personnel for leadership and operations as their biggest challenge. On the other hand, public interest in social contribution is high, with around 64% of citizens expressing a desire to contribute to society. Notably, about 40% wish to contribute using their professional skills and experience.

'Pro bono,' derived from the Latin phrase 'Pro Bono Publico' (for the public good), has recently gained attention as a method to bridge the gap between 'local challenges' and 'citizens' willingness to participate.' It refers to social contribution activities in which business professionals apply the skills and experience gained in their professional work.

This seminar aims to serve as a platform for participants to jointly explore future models of community development by sharing practical knowledge from government agencies and intermediary support organizations across Japan that have implemented pro bono programs.

Seminar Overview

Date and Time: July 15, 2026 (Wednesday), 13:30–15:00

Format: Online (Zoom) / Recording available

Participation Fee: Free

Target Audience:

Government and municipal officials

Intermediary support organizations

NPOs and local community groups

Corporate representatives, educators, researchers, etc.

Individuals interested in volunteer shortage solutions and pro bono initiatives

Details and Registration: https://www.servicegrant.or.jp/news/18212/

Program

Opening

Explanation of the seminar's purpose and the basic concept of pro bono

Session 1: Case Studies in 'Civic Collaboration'

Focusing on pro bono as a mechanism connecting 'local challenges' and 'citizen participation,' this session will introduce case studies of collaborative initiatives that welcome broad generations and diverse stakeholders through accessible entry points. #ProBono #Volunteer #CivicEngagement #Platform

Session 2: Case Studies in 'Creating Relational Population' [Case Presentation by Guest Speaker]

This session will share insights on the potential for regional revitalization and new relationship-building when external talent engages as pro bono volunteers. #RegionalRevitalization #HometownResidentRegistrationSystem

<Speaker> Nagasaki Prefecture, Department of Citizen Life and Environment Mr. Takuya Mori

Mr. Mori is responsible for NPO support through pro bono initiatives within the 'Department of Citizen Life and Environment,' which comprehensively oversees citizen safety, security, and environmental conservation. He is advancing the 'Nagasaki Pro Bono Challenge Promotion Project' in collaboration with Service Grant, aiming to transfer expertise to the Nagasaki Prefectural Volunteer Activity Support Center. Currently, he is expanding pro bono as a mechanism applicable across various fields, including relational population creation.

Session 3: Case Studies in 'Welfare and Elder Care'

This session will present a case study of a model that engages corporate professionals—who previously had few opportunities to engage with local communities or welfare—into community-building through pro bono initiatives. #SeniorSocialParticipation #CommunityCoexistence #Multi-layeredSupportSystem #CommunityIntegratedCare

Closing

Q&A and announcements

About Service Grant, a Certified NPO Corporation

Service Grant, a certified NPO, began its activities in 2005 as a pioneer of 'pro bono' in Japan and was incorporated as an NPO in 2009. In 2025, it will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its founding. Aiming to create a society where 'everyone can take action on social issues, collaborating while embracing differences and possibilities,' the organization has coordinated project-based support, primarily using the experience and skills of working adults through 'pro bono' to address challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. To date, it has registered over 10,000 participants, completed more than 2,500 projects, and collaborated with 25 companies and over 40 institutions, including government bodies and foundations, through unique programs. It is an intermediary support organization promoting pro bono initiatives.

In collaboration with government bodies, Service Grant has implemented pro bono programs in various administrative policies, including civic collaboration, community integrated care, and relational population creation, such as the 'Osaka Ee-machi Project' with Osaka Prefecture and the 'Yamanashi Pro Bono Challenge Project' with Yamanashi Prefecture.

▶ Service Grant: For Municipalities and Intermediary Support Organizations

▶ 'Pro Bono White Paper 2025: 20 Years of Progress, Opening the Possibility of Co-creation'

Media Inquiries Regarding This Release

Service Grant, Certified NPO Corporation Collaboration Division for Government, Intermediary Support, and Foundations (Tsuda, Kurihara)

TEL: 03-6419-4021

Email: info@servicegrant.or.jp

Contact Form: https://my.servicegrant.or.jp/contact/