"NPO Support Foundation Research Group 2026 Spring WEB Symposium" The grant application season is here! A full lineup of spring grant programs!
The NPO Support Foundation Research Group is holding a web symposium to introduce spring grant programs and discuss how NPOs can best utilize AI in their applications. The event aims to foster better partnerships between NPOs and grant-making foundations, providing insights into funding opportunities and application strategies.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 20:00
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The NPO Support Foundation Research Group has held symposiums nationwide to build better partnerships between NPOs and grant-making foundations.
Spring (April to July) is the season when many grant-making foundations solicit grant applications. From the NPO's perspective, to develop partnerships with grant-making foundations, they want to find the optimal grant program and propose excellent projects. At the same time, grant-making foundations also hope that applicants will accurately understand the purpose of the grant program, submit high-quality applications, and build better partnerships.
Therefore, we plan to introduce grant programs from foundations recruiting in the spring, clearly convey their aims and expectations, and thereby assist NPOs in their project planning.
Additionally, we want to share how grant-making foundations view grant applications utilizing AI, a recently hot topic.
Furthermore, we will provide a comprehensive overview of foundations that have recruitment scheduled from autumn onwards.
This is a must-see event for NPO personnel considering grant applications!
■ How to apply
Please apply via Peatix here.
■ Date and Time
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 13:00-15:30
■ Venue
Online (ZOOM webinar: URL will be sent to applicants)
■ Capacity
200 people
■ Participation Fee
Free
■ Target Audience
NPOs and volunteer organizations, local intermediary support organizations, grant-making foundations/organizations, companies, local government officials, corporate CSR personnel, etc.
■ Program
● Opening Remarks
● Part 1
Panel Discussion: "What are the key points for AI utilization that grant-making foundations seek?"
Yoichiro Abe (Chairman, NPO Support Foundation Research Group)
Noritaka Takeyama (Manager, Sustainability Promotion Department, Japan Post Co., Ltd.)
Akihiro Nendai (Executive Director & Secretary-General, Kirin Welfare Foundation)
Moderator: Akira Matsubara (Representative Director, Specified Non-Profit Organization Kyoryoku Academy)
● Part 2
"Introduction of Grant Programs by Each Foundation" Participating foundations / Moderator: Akira Matsubara
Overview of grant programs / Key points for evaluation / Expectations for NPOs
● Part 3
"Key Points Expected by Grant-Making Foundations as Seen in Grant Examples"
Moderator: Gen Watanabe (Vice Chairman, Specified Non-Profit Organization Civic Force)
・Introduction of grant programs by grant-making foundations
・Explanation of recommended NPO grant programs (how the program was understood and how the project was planned)
・Evaluation points of NPO projects from the perspective of grant-making foundations
《 Case Studies 》
・Kirin Welfare Foundation × Liaison Council for People with Dementia, Missing Persons, Families, and Supporters
・Toyota Foundation × Kuretakekai Social Welfare Corporation
● Q&A Session
Moderator: Gen Watanabe
● Closing Remarks
★《Recommendation for Pre-Viewing》★
This symposium will not include a keynote speech on basic content related to grant utilization. Therefore, those who have not participated in previous symposiums are recommended to watch the keynote speech video from the previous Spring 2025 Symposium in advance.
■ Attending Foundations (Scheduled, in alphabetical order)
Kirin Welfare Foundation, Grant-Making Foundations Center, SOMPO Environmental Foundation, SOMPO Welfare Foundation, Central Community Chest of Japan, Dentsu Ikueikai, Toyota Foundation, Nippon Foundation, Japan Post Co., Ltd. Headquarters, Welfare and Medical Service Agency (WAM), Mazda Foundation, Mitsubishi Foundation, Yamato Welfare Foundation, Yomiuri Light and Love Charity Organization
■ Organizer
NPO Support Foundation Research Group (Secretariat: Grant-Making Foundations Center, Specified Non-Profit Organization Say-En)
■ Important Notes
・After applying, you will receive an email from Peatix; please be sure to check it.
・Applications will close when the capacity is reached.
・In case of cancellation or postponement by the organizer, all applicants will be notified by email.
■ Inquiries regarding ticket applications
Peatix Call Center
0120-777-581
10:00 ~ 18:00 | Excluding year-end/New Year holidays and Golden Week
■ Others
The personal information you provide when applying will be appropriately managed by the NPO Support Foundation Research Group (Secretariat: Grant-Making Foundations Center) and used for future symposium announcements, etc. Please see the following page (PDF) for the policy on handling personal information.
▶Grant-Making Foundations Center Personal Information Management Regulations (PDF)
What is the NPO Support Foundation Research Group?
Established in 2001, it is a research group of volunteers from organizations with grant programs targeting NPOs and civic activities. (Secretariat: Specified Non-Profit Organization Say-En, Grant-Making Foundations Center)
It regularly holds research meetings to share information on the environment surrounding NPOs and legislative changes, and conducts research and information sharing on how to conduct better grant activities.
It also holds online symposiums during the grant application periods (spring and autumn) to provide an opportunity to deepen understanding of grant-making foundations' activities, introduce key points for grant applications, grant programs for NPOs, and excellent grant examples. Each time, approximately 300 NPOs and other organizations apply to participate.
■ Inquiries regarding this press release
Grant-Making Foundations Center (Secretariat, NPO Support Foundation Research Group)
https://www.jfc.or.jp/contact/
※Please select "Seminar/Event" for the inquiry item.