[New Donation Option from Japan] Kyoto Community Foundation Launches 7 Billion Yen Fund Operation
The Kyoto Community Foundation has announced the launch of a 7 billion yen asset management fund, utilizing stock donations from a philanthropist. This initiative aims to provide sustainable funding for medical fields, including iPS cell research, targeting an annual return of approximately 3.5% to perpetually support research while preserving the principal, presenting a "new form of philanthropic culture" to society.
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- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 19:40
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The Kyoto Community Foundation (Chairman: Tatsuro Shinkawa, hereinafter "the Foundation") is pleased to announce that it has commenced asset management of approximately 7 billion yen, funded by stock donations from a philanthropist.
This asset management aims to provide sustainable funding for medical fields, including iPS cell research, with a target of achieving approximately 3.5% in annual dividend and interest income. This will present a "new form of philanthropic culture" to society, perpetually supporting research while preserving the principal.
1. Background of this Donation: From One-time Donations to "Perpetual Support"
In September 2025, a generous donation was received from a philanthropist to accelerate the practical application of iPS cell technology. The Foundation sold approximately 3.7 billion yen in listed stocks received, after obtaining tax exemption approval for deemed capital gains, and reinvested them based on the "2. Investment Policy."
Due to the increase in stock prices between the donation and reinvestment, the current valuation has reached approximately 7 billion yen. The Foundation will manage these assets and use the resulting dividend and interest income as a source for grants, thereby establishing a mechanism to continuously support iPS cell research for 10, 20 years, and beyond.
2. Investment Policy
The Foundation, with advice from external experts (investment committee members), has constructed a portfolio that balances transparency and stability as follows:
Asset Allocation: Approximately 25% each allocated to four asset classes: domestic stocks, foreign stocks, domestic bonds, and foreign bonds.
Investment Method: Selection of ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) linked to specific indices and highly-rated bonds.
Target Yield: 3.5% per annum (emphasis on income generation).
3. Grant Recipients and Expected Effects
As immediate grant recipients, it has been decided to provide 200 million yen annually, totaling approximately 600 million yen, to the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Fund (National University Corporation) and the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2028, to support projects for basic research and practical application of iPS cells. Continuous grants, not ending in a single fiscal year, are expected to offer the benefit of enabling mid- to long-term research budget planning.
4. Comment from Tatsuro Shinkawa, Chairman of the Kyoto Community Foundation
"The mission of our Foundation is to 'create new financial flows for all citizens and their society.' This time, being entrusted with a large asset of 7 billion yen and being able to connect its operating profits to the future of medicine, contributing even a little to human well-being, is a great challenge and a source of pride for our Foundation.
We hope that this case will serve as an impetus for the development of a philanthropic culture in Japan, including legacy giving and donations of stocks and real estate, not limited to monetary contributions."
[About the Kyoto Community Foundation]
Established in 2009. Instead of donations from specific administrations, companies, or individuals, it solicits donations from many citizens and provides funding for solving local issues. It has supported numerous social entrepreneurs and NPOs, working to create a sustainable social infrastructure in Kyoto.
Location: 40-1 Fukakusa Echigoyashikicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8431, 1F
Website: https://www.plus-social.jp/
[Contact for this matter]
Kyoto Community Foundation Secretariat (Contact: Takuma Kani, Executive Director)
TEL: 075-257-7883 / Email: office@plus-social.jp
This asset management aims to provide sustainable funding for medical fields, including iPS cell research, with a target of achieving approximately 3.5% in annual dividend and interest income. This will present a "new form of philanthropic culture" to society, perpetually supporting research while preserving the principal.
1. Background of this Donation: From One-time Donations to "Perpetual Support"
In September 2025, a generous donation was received from a philanthropist to accelerate the practical application of iPS cell technology. The Foundation sold approximately 3.7 billion yen in listed stocks received, after obtaining tax exemption approval for deemed capital gains, and reinvested them based on the "2. Investment Policy."
Due to the increase in stock prices between the donation and reinvestment, the current valuation has reached approximately 7 billion yen. The Foundation will manage these assets and use the resulting dividend and interest income as a source for grants, thereby establishing a mechanism to continuously support iPS cell research for 10, 20 years, and beyond.
2. Investment Policy
The Foundation, with advice from external experts (investment committee members), has constructed a portfolio that balances transparency and stability as follows:
Asset Allocation: Approximately 25% each allocated to four asset classes: domestic stocks, foreign stocks, domestic bonds, and foreign bonds.
Investment Method: Selection of ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) linked to specific indices and highly-rated bonds.
Target Yield: 3.5% per annum (emphasis on income generation).
3. Grant Recipients and Expected Effects
As immediate grant recipients, it has been decided to provide 200 million yen annually, totaling approximately 600 million yen, to the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Fund (National University Corporation) and the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2028, to support projects for basic research and practical application of iPS cells. Continuous grants, not ending in a single fiscal year, are expected to offer the benefit of enabling mid- to long-term research budget planning.
4. Comment from Tatsuro Shinkawa, Chairman of the Kyoto Community Foundation
"The mission of our Foundation is to 'create new financial flows for all citizens and their society.' This time, being entrusted with a large asset of 7 billion yen and being able to connect its operating profits to the future of medicine, contributing even a little to human well-being, is a great challenge and a source of pride for our Foundation.
We hope that this case will serve as an impetus for the development of a philanthropic culture in Japan, including legacy giving and donations of stocks and real estate, not limited to monetary contributions."
[About the Kyoto Community Foundation]
Established in 2009. Instead of donations from specific administrations, companies, or individuals, it solicits donations from many citizens and provides funding for solving local issues. It has supported numerous social entrepreneurs and NPOs, working to create a sustainable social infrastructure in Kyoto.
Location: 40-1 Fukakusa Echigoyashikicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8431, 1F
Website: https://www.plus-social.jp/
[Contact for this matter]
Kyoto Community Foundation Secretariat (Contact: Takuma Kani, Executive Director)
TEL: 075-257-7883 / Email: office@plus-social.jp