INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR JAPANESE STUDIES

To assist in the study and understanding of Japanese culture and society at the institutional level in the United States, The Japan Foundation offers three types of programs that are reviewed in the United States: VISITING PROFESSORSHIP GRANT PROGRAM, STAFF EXPANSION GRANT PROGRAM, and RESEARCH/CONFERENCE/SEMINAR GRANT PROGRAM.
Projects submitted for consideration must be within the fields of the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Comparative studies and studies on bilateral relations between Japan and foreign countries are also acceptable. In principle, projects that receive funding for the 1996 Japanese fiscal year must begin between April 1. 1996 and March 31. 1997. However, in the case of the Staff Expansion program, awardees unable to hire a suitable candidate during this period may, with the Foundation's prior approval, delay commencement of the appointment for up to one year. Support is normally given on a cost-sharing basis.

Eligibility

Educational, cultural, or public affairs organizations classified as nonprofit institutions for federal income tax purposes are eligible. However, before applying, applicants should confirm whether they are legally able to receive grants from governmental organizations.
Institutions may apply for several programs in a given year; however, multiple applications by a single institution for the same grant program will not be accepted. For applications to the Staff Expansion and Salary Assistance programs, please refer to note on p. 10.

Ineligibility

The Japan Foundation is not able to consider requests in the following areas: programs for high school students, building/construction costs, land or rental costs, support for endowed chairs, museum acquisitions, cost of permanent equipment, or salaries for existing positions. In addition, institutional overhead cannot be covered under the terms of the grants.

Note:

In 1973, the University of California-Berkeley, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Harvard University, University of Hawaii, University of Michigan, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Washington, and Yale University received sizable Japanese Government donations. These ten American universities are not eligible for STAFF EXPANSION GRANTS, STUDY-IN-JAPAN GRANTS or SALARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

VISITING PROFESSORSHIP GRANT PROGRAM

The Visiting Professorship Grant Program allows U.S. academic institutions, independently or jointly with other institutions, to invite scholars or artists-in-residence from Japan to give courses in Japanese studies or Japanese arts at the graduate or undergraduate level. This program is meant to enhance established teaching programs by the contribution of a visiting scholar, not to replace regular instructors. To maximize the impact of the program, consortial applications are encouraged. Approximately four grants during the 1996 Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 1996-March 31, 1997) will be awarded for periods of one to ten months.
Institutions must designate the specific individual they intend to invite, and before applying, determine his or her availability for the program. Grants are not normally extendable.

Grant Coverage

Grants are made in one of two ways: payment to the institution or payment to the appointee. Payment for projects that are at least six months in duration is made to the institution. In these cases, the Foundation's contribution consists of round-trip airfare for the appointee and an amount not exceeding three-fourths of the other direct project costs. For projects of less than six months. the Foundation provides airfare and living allowances directly to the appointee. In either case, The Foundation applies its own scale to the amount requested.

STAFF EXPANSION GRANT PROGRAM

The Staff Expansion Grant Program enables US. academic institutions to create new faculty positions in Japan-related areas other than Japanese-language instruction, by extending financial assistance for up to three years. Grants are made with the understanding that support for the position involved is incremental and has normal prospects for permanency, contingent on the institution's funds after the end of the Foundation's support. The position should not be considered by the institution as a temporary addition. (The 10 universities listed on page 8 are not eligible to apply.) Four Staff Expansion Grants will be awarded in 1996-97.

Grant Coverage

Support is given on a cost-sharing basis, and The Foundation's contribution will not exceed two-thirds of the appointee's total salary and fringe benefits (health insurance, etc.) during the term of the grant. Items such as allowances to cover housing/relocation costs, salaries of research assistants/secretaries or other administrative costs are not to be included as part of the proposed budget. In addition, The Foundation will not offer support exclusively intended to cover an appointee's fringe benefits.

Note:

Institutions applying for staff in Japanese linguistics should apply under the STAFF EXPANSION GRANT PROGRAM. However, institutions seeking support to cover the personnel expenses of a Japanese-language instructor should apply to the SALARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR FULL-TIME JAPANESE-LANGUAGE INSTRUCTORS Listed on page 20. Due to the similarities of the Staff Expansion and Salary Assistance programs, institutions may not apply for both programs in the same year.

RESEARCH/CONFERENCE/SEMINAR GRANT PROGRAM

The Research/Conference/Seminar Grant Program provides limited support to research and academic institutions, working either independently or jointly, for Japan-related research, conferences, and seminars conducted in the United States. Projects should not be the work of a single individual. International cooperative projects are encouraged. Support is given on a cost-sharing basis. Approximately $300,000 in total has been designated for this grant program during the 1996 Japanese fiscal year. Applicants should apply under one of the following three categories:

Research Conferences and Collaborative Research Projects

Open to scholars and researchers in the academic field. Projects can be in the form of a) research conferences, or b) collaborative research projects.

For both types of projects, results should be publicized through seminars/symposia or written works. A maximum of $40,000 will be awarded for grant periods not exceeding 24 months.

Professional Conferences

Japan-related conferences and seminars by professionals involved in Japanese studies, including librarians dealing with Japan-related collections, for the purpose of enhancing professional knowledge, research or educational methods.
The maximum grant is $20,000 if the project requires international air travel for participants, if not, the maximum is $15,000. In either case, grant periods will not exceed 12 months.

Outreach Seminars

Examination and presentation of Japan-related topics designed for broader, general audiences.
The maximum award is $15,000 for a grant period not exceeding 12 months.

Note:

Grants are not normally renewable. When deemed necessary, however, the Foundation may continue to support a given project for up to three consecutive years. Recipients of such extended support may not apply to the program for at least one year thereafter.