GRANTS

Advancing sustainability, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), and peacebuilding at ICU and beyond.

Now Accepting Interest Forms!

Last day to submit an interest form for the Winter 2023-2024 cycle is  Monday, January 15, 2024, at 23:59 JST.

The Japan ICU Foundation’s mission is to work with ICU to nurture global citizens who contribute to the well-being of humanity. One of the ways the Foundation achieves its mission is to provide grants to support projects planned and implemented by ICU students, faculty and alumni. We welcome your applications.

Areas of Focus

The Foundation strives to fulfill its mission by funding projects that focus on one or more of the following three areas that relate directly to its history and vision for the future. These themes are core responsibilities of global citizens and are key to the common good. The Foundation encourages the ICU community to contemplate, discuss, and take action to promote these themes at ICU and within the broader society.

Sustainability

Sustainability is maintaining a balance between human activities and the preservation of the natural environment to ensure that future generations can continue to thrive. The natural environment is a common good without which humanity cannot survive. The present generation has a responsibility to live in a way that does not diminish the quality of life for future generations.

Eligibility & What We fund

The following members of the ICU community are eligible to apply for funding: ICU Students, ICU Faculty and Educational Staff and ICU Alumni.

The Foundation supports a wide variety of projects that are designed and implemented by the applicant(s). As explained above, projects should aim to advance the Foundation’s mission and areas of focus. The following table provides further guidance for students, faculty and alumni. The Foundation will consider projects that do not fit with these guidelines on a case by case basis. Please refer to the “Past Grants” section below to learn more about projects the Foundation has previously supported.

ICU Students

Eligibility

All degree-seeking ICU students are eligible. Students must be enrolled at ICU for the entire duration of their project.

What we Fund

The Foundation prioritizes the following types of projects for ICU students.

  • Projects that engage with society
  • Projects that benefit the ICU community
  • Projects that develop academic and professional skills
  • Projects that develop the applicant’s self-confidence and awareness of the world

Examples of the types of projects students may apply for include the following.

  • Student research projects in Japan and abroad (1st year undergraduate students are not eligible for research funding)
  • Projects in Japan and abroad that advance the common good
  • On-campus events such as workshops, performances, exhibitions, conferences and symposia
  • Intercultural activities
  • Student club/circle/group activities
  • Hosting of scholars and professionals at ICU
  • Presentations at academic conferences

How to Apply

The application process varies slightly by applicant type. Prospective applicants should review the following information carefully.

Funding Cycles & Timelines

There are three funding cycles annually, corresponding to ICU’s academic calendar. The following table shows the timelines for the next two terms. Spring 2024 cycle dates will be available in early 2024.

  FALL 2023 WINTER 2023
Interest Form Due Date   September 25, 2023 January 15, 2024
Proposal Due Date   October 16, 2023 January 31, 2024
Award Notification Date   November 14, 2023 February 27, 2024
Earliest Project Start Date   November 24, 2023 March 6, 2024

Grant guidelines

Past grants

Prior to 2021, JICUF offered support to ICU student and faculty through 4 separate grant categories. You can view all pre-2021 grants HERE.

Questions?

For any questions, please contact Program Manager Fernando Rojas at frojas@jicuf.org.

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