STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND
⚠ Due to the ongoing public health emergency, JICUF is temporarily suspending the JICUF Grants Initiative. JICUF will resume its grantmaking activities in September 2021, if conditions permit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Program Manager Fernando Rojas at frojas@jicuf.org. We apologize for any inconvenience.
As part of our commitment to strengthening the capacity of ICU’s outstanding student body, the Japan ICU Foundation is pleased to provide support to ICU students through the Student Activities Fund.
The Student Activities Fund is designed to support student projects. Projects that either are of interest or benefit the ICU community will be considered for funding. New and innovative projects are especially welcomed.
We look forward to receiving your inquiry! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
SAMPLE APPLICATION FORMS
Below are samples of the inquiry form, the proposal form and the budget form. These sample forms are intended to serve as a guide.
To apply for funding, please click the “Apply Here” button and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions, email JICUF Program Manager Fernando Rojas at frojas@jicuf.org.
The Purpose of the Student Activities Fund
The Student Activities Fund encourages students to create innovative projects aligned with ICU’s three commitments. Preference is given to original initiatives conceived, designed, and implemented by students, and to projects that help to build community at ICU.
Through the process of applying for and implementing a Student Activities Fund project, ICU students will develop vital real-world competencies. Specifically, students will gain project management, communications and research experience. Students will be encouraged to be creative and utilize critical thinking skills as they overcome challenges.
Eligibility and Guidelines
Applicants must be enrolled degree-seeking ICU students in either the College of Liberal Arts or Graduate School at the time of application and throughout the duration of the grant activity. One-year regular students (OYRs) and other non-degree seeking students are not eligible to apply.
Individual students, groups of students, and student clubs and circles are eligible to apply. Each application, however, must be submitted by a primary applicant who will also serve as the liaison between the group and JICUF.
We encourage partnerships both within and outside of ICU. Although the primary applicant must be an ICU student, it is possible to partner with an external person or organization. Examples include partnering with a student from another university on a multi-campus project and partnering with an NPO on hosting a lecture series on campus.
Applicants should note that they may not be able to book certain ICU facilities, such as the Dialogue House, by themselves and may require assistance from an ICU faculty or administrative staff member. Be sure to check with the Student Services Office for availability and reservation requirements.
Project Scope
All projects must relate to one or more of ICU’s three commitments.
Academic – Projects under this theme have either a research or teaching component, or deal with issues relevant to the ICU community.
Christian – Projects under this theme contemplate, examine, enact, and/or express Christian values. Examples include volunteer activities, faith-based activities and projects that focus on the marginalized.
International – Projects involving international travel, explicitly focusing on international issues or including participation from collaborators abroad.
Application Process & Timeline
The application process consists of three steps:
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Submit an Inquiry Form
You are able to submit an inquiry form at any time. The inquiry form is designed to give JICUF a general idea of your project. The form is available online year-round and can be written in either Japanese or English.When we receive an inquiry form, JICUF reviews it to ensure proper fit with our eligibility criteria. If your inquiry is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal. Be advised that an invitation to submit a full proposal does not guarantee funding for your project.
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Submit a Full Proposal
If your inquiry form is approved, you will receive instructions on submitting a full proposal. The proposal requires you to describe your project in detail and also requires submission of a budget. You must list the expected revenue and expenses related to your project. Proposals must be submitted in English, although there is an option to submit supplementary materials in Japanese. -
Review & Approval
Proposals are reviewed both by JICUF staff and by an independent grants committee. During the review process, JICUF may suggest changes to project budgets. Final award decisions are made by the grants committee. Once a project is approved and the project budget is finalized, JICUF will send an award packet.
There are three application periods each year, corresponding to each academic term. Below are the dates for Winter 2019, Spring 2020, and Fall 2020 terms.
Grant Amount & Restrictions
JICUF is open to receiving grant inquiries of all sizes. Grants must be requested in Japanese Yen. The budget proposal is subject to scrutiny and the award amount will be finalized in negotiation with JICUF.
JICUF does not support payment for the following expenses:
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Purchase of computers or other electronic devices (rentals are acceptable pending actual necessity to the project)
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Business or first-class airfare
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Conference/program attendance fees
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Expenses unrelated to the grant
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If you plan to invite individuals (professionals, academics, coaches, etc.) or groups to visit the ICU campus to participate in your project, JICUF may consider providing the following support for your guests:
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Up to two weeks of housing at Dialogue House
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Round-trip economy-class airfare to Japan for international guests and travel between Narita/Haneda Airport and ICU. For domestic guests, we will cover round-trip travel between the guest’s home and ICU.
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A daily allowance of ¥5,000 per person to cover meals and local transportation.
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A one-time honorarium of ¥30,000 upon completion of a qualified activity at ICU. Qualified activities include giving a public lecture, making a keynote presentation at a symposium or leading a workshop.
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Please note that for international guests, we expect them to spend at least two-thirds of their time at ICU engaging in on-campus activities. For example, if you invite someone for a total of 6 days, 4 of those days must be spent at ICU. Additional support may be provided at our discretion on a case by case basis. Contact JICUF if you have any questions.
Tax Implications
Recipients of the Student Activities Fund are responsible for determining the taxability of their grant and paying the necessary taxes on the amount received. JICUF is not able to provide counsel on individual tax matters and recommends that you speak with your local tax office.
Final Report
Students will have up to one year from the award date to complete their grant activity. A final grant report must be submitted to JICUF no later than 60 days after the grant activity is completed. The final report must consist of a narrative report and financial report. Instructions will be shared in the award packet.
