U.S. Embassy Tokyo PAS Annual Program Statement (Japan)

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining the funding priorities, the strategic themes focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Tokyo invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Japan through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

• U.S. experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, and workshops in Japan;

• Academic and professional lectures and seminars;

• Professional and academic exchanges and programs;

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; and/or

• Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of their exchange programs; and

• Initiatives that develop stronger ties between the United States, Japan, and third countries.

Priorities

• Programs that strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance and security cooperation, including bilateral and regional security issues, deterring illegal maritime activities, and strengthening the use of international law to resolve disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Programs that foster greater bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and Japan, including securing supply chains, enhancing women’s participation in the Japanese economy, fighting climate change, and promoting sustainable infrastructure investment in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Programs that use U.S.-Japan cooperation to increase transparency and good governance, strengthen democratic processes, counter state-sponsored disinformation, and promote the respect for the rule of law and human rights in the Indo-Pacific region.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000.

• Length of performance period: up to 12 months.

Participants and Audiences: PAS Tokyo engages a variety of audiences, including national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; government officials (national, prefecture, and municipal officials; policy makers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders); and universities.

Ineligible

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;

  • Charitable or development activities;

  • Construction programs;

  • Programs that support specific religious activities;

  • Fund-raising campaigns or programs charging a fee for participation;

  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

  • Scientific research;

  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of an organization; or

  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.