Various forms of assistance are being designed to take advantage of the knowledge, know-how and human resources of NGOs and other private sector bodies.

In the case of "JICA Partnership Programme for NGOs/Local Governments/Academic institutes", JICA will outsource the implementation of development assistance projects in developing countries to Japanese NGOs, universities, local government agencies, or thinktanks. Already in general use in the United States and certain other donor countries, this modality spurs NGO implementation of ODA projects. Projects this year will be concentrated in three areas where such private sector bodies have a comparative advantage: (i) social development; (ii) environmental assistance; and (iii) intellectual support. Two methods will be employed in identifying and formulating projects. The first, a "project announcement" style, will entail JICA's widespread dissemination through the Internet and other media of information on any project requests submitted by aid-receiving countries. Corresponding proposals received from NGOs and other private sector bodies will then be screened by JICA and a project developed jointly by JICA and the body selected. Alternatively, JICA will invite project proposals, specifying certain countries and fields, and choose from among the proposals submitted by NGOs, etc. Funds for eight projects (around ¥196 million) have been secured for the scheme's first year in operation. This program will expand participatory cooperation through the involvement of groups such as NGOs, universities, and local government agencies, and contribute to progress in developing countries.

"The Community Empowerment Program" is intended to take advantage of Japan's social welfare experience in promoting welfare improvement activities in developing countries. In essence, model welfare improvement projects, with endorsement of the recipient government, will be undertaken with the cooperation of NGOs and regional organizations operating in the area. Local JICA offices play a pivotal role in the scheme, using local consultants and locally operating NGOs (Japanese, international or local) to implement model projects. Areas covered by this scheme include health care and sanitation improvement, assistance for the elderly, the handicapped and children, women's empowerment programs, assistance in promoting local industry, etc.. Technical guidance is also provided to these local NGOs through short-term dispatches of experts in the areas concerned. This scheme was initiated in FY1997 with a budget of ¥123 million and a budget of around ¥358 million was allocated for FY1999.