Faculty Grants

Expanding Student-Centered Learning Experiences

STEP 1: DISCUSS YOUR IDEAS WITH JICUF STAFF

(REQUIRED)

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FALL 2026 CYCLE

SUBMIT BY NOVEMBER 2, 2026, 23:59 (JAPAN TIME)

About the Faculty Grants Program

Through the Faculty Grants program, JICUF partners with ICU faculty and staff to advance our shared mission of nurturing global citizens. The program supports innovative, student-centered learning experiences that complement classroom education and prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the world.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Eligible Applicants

All ICU Faculty and Staff

Maximum Award

Up to ¥3,000,000

Application Cycles

Two Cycles Per Year

How to Apply

Funding Cycles

Project Guidelines

Previously Funded Projects

What kind of projects are supported?

We welcome proposals that create meaningful learning opportunities for students. Every project is different, but successful proposals share a common goal of helping students deepen their understanding of the world while preparing them to contribute to the common good. Faculty Grants have supported initiatives such as:

International and domestic field-based learning experiences

Academic conferences, symposia, and workshops

Curriculum development and innovative teaching initiatives

Visits by scholars, artists, and professionals

Community-engaged learning projects

Interdisciplinary educational collaborations

All proposals should incorporate a global perspective and provide meaningful opportunities for active student engagement.

Who is eligible to apply?

All ICU faculty and staff are eligible to apply. Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply for funding for a new project after submitting the required final report for their previous project. Applicants seeking continued funding for an existing project should refer to the “Renewal Application” section below.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Discuss Your Idea with JICUF Staff

Faculty and staff must discuss their project with JICUF staff before submitting a proposal. These conversations provide an opportunity to receive feedback on your project idea, discuss how it aligns with JICUF’s mission and program goals, explore ways to strengthen your proposal, and ask questions about the application process.

Meeting Request Form

STEP 2: Submit Your Proposal

Submit your proposal through the online application portal. Before applying, please review the Project Guidelines below.

Online Application

STEP 3: Proposal Review

JICUF utilizes ICU alumni as volunteer external reviewers for the Faculty Grants program. Proposals are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Alignment with the Faculty Grants program goals
Project design and feasibility
Assessment plan and anticipated outcomes
Budget appropriateness and justification

Following the evaluation by the external reviewers, JICUF staff make recommendations to the JICUF Board of Trustees for final approval.

Evaluation Review Rubric

STEP 4: Award Acceptance

Successful applicants will receive an award packet outlining the terms and conditions of the award. Funding will be released after the signed agreement has been returned to JICUF.

FUNDING CYCLES

Faculty and staff may apply during either of two annual funding cycles.

⚠️PLEASE NOTE⚠️

Projects must have clearly defined start and end dates. The project start date must be on or after your respective Earliest Project Start Date in the table above. All projects must be completed within one year of the project start date.

PROJECT GUIDELINES

TIMELINE AND PLANNING

Applicants must select a project start date that falls on or after the Earliest Project Start Date for the funding cycle in which they apply. Projects may last for up to one year from the approved start date.

Applicants are encouraged to plan well in advance, particularly for projects that involve travel, partnerships, or other activities requiring significant preparation. For example, a faculty member planning a field-based learning program during the summer should apply during the preceding fall funding cycle rather than the spring cycle.

JICUF reserves the right to allow projects to start before the Earliest Project Start Date on a case-by-case basis.
STUDENT SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION COSTS
If student participation in your project is limited due to space or other logistical constraints, applicants should explain:

The anticipated number of participants

How students will be selected (e.g., application, lottery, course enrollment)

All costs related to student participation in your project must be included in your overall budget. If the total budget does not fully cover these expenses and a participation fee is required, the fee charged to each student must not exceed ¥20,000.
BUDGETING
Funding Amount
Applicants may request up to ¥3,000,000.

Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used for reasonable expenses that are directly related to the approved project.

Grant funds may not be used for:

Personal electronic equipment (Equipment rentals are encouraged)

Conference attendance

Hiring external staff or interns (except in limited circumstances approved by JICUF)

Please Note: JICUF cannot reimburse expenses incurred before funding has been awarded.

Guest Support
For scholars and professionals invited to visit ICU, JICUF will provide support for:

Economy-class airfare and travel to and from the airport to ICU

Up to two weeks of accommodation at ICU’s Dialogue House

Meal and local transportation allowance (up to ¥5,000 per day)

A one-time honorarium of ¥30,000

Budget Tips

Research costs carefully when developing your budget.

JICUF may adjust budgets if expenses seem unreasonable.

JICUF reserves the right to fund budget items on a case-by-case basis.
PROJECT RENEWALS

Projects may receive renewal funding for up to two additional funding cycles. Applicants seeking continued funding for an existing project must apply again using the renewal application form. Applicants must describe the current project’s accomplishments, explain how the renewed project will build upon these accomplishments, and describe the project’s long-term impact once it no longer receives JICUF funding.

Please Note: Project renewals are NOT guaranteed. Therefore, consider how you plan to implement your project in the event you do not receive renewed funding. A final report for the previous grant period must be submitted before a renewal application will be considered.
REPEAT PROJECTS

A project can only receive funding for up to three funding cycles regardless of who the applicant is. For example, if Faculty A is in charge of a project for three years. They collaborated with Faculty B and ICU staff member C. After three years, both Faculty B and ICU staff member C cannot apply for an additional three cycles. They must submit an application for a completely new project.
PROJECT REPORT
RETURNING UNUSED FUNDS
TAX RESPONSIBILITY

PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS