SDG PROJECTS

Student-led Projects for the Common Good

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 SDG Projects Program

At JICUF, we believe that being a global citizen involves not only learning about the challenges facing our world, but also taking meaningful action to address them. The SDG Projects empower ICU students to take action for the common good.

Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, we support student-led initiatives that create positive impact at ICU and beyond. Along the way, students develop leadership, collaboration, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Eligible Applicants

All ICU Students

Maximum Award

Up to ¥1,500,000

Application Cycles

Two Cycles Per Year

Project Focus and Eligibility

How to Apply

Funding Cycles

Budgeting Your Project

After Your Project

Previously Funded Projects

What kind of projects are supported?

Every funding cycle, ICU students develop innovative initiatives that address issues they care deeply about while making meaningful contributions to society. This may include:

Community engagement and service initiatives

Environmental and sustainability projects

International exchange and cross-cultural dialogue

Social entrepreneurship and innovation

Educational workshops, lecture, and public events

Arts and cultural initiatives

Peacebuilding and reconciliation programs

Public awareness campaigns

Project Focus: Alignment with the SDGs

Every SDG Project should contribute to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As part of your application, you will identify which SDG(s) your project advances and specify the particular targets your project addresses.

If you’re not sure where your project fits, here are some helpful resources.

SDGs UN Website: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/.
noharm SDGsを学ぶ: https://noharm.or.jp/SDGs/.
SDG Projects – Youtube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5b5ez43x.

Students often surprise us with new ideas. Whether your project focuses on your local community or addresses a global challenge, we encourage bold, creative proposals that contribute to the common good.

⚠️PLEASE NOTE⚠️
The SDG Projects do not support academic research, including projects related to a senior thesis, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation. Students seeking research funding should instead apply for the Othmer Research Fellowship.

Who is eligible to apply?

The SDG Projects are open to all ICU students, including undergraduate and graduate students, exchange students, and kenkyuusei. Applications may be submitted by individuals or by teams. Successful applicants must remain enrolled at ICU until their project has been completed and their required final report has been submitted.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two opportunities to apply to the SDG Projects each year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

STEP 1: Discuss Your Idea with JICUF Staff

Before applying, it is required to meet with JICUF staff to discuss your project. We encourage you to meet with us early in the planning process so you have more time to receive feedback to strengthen your projects. JICUF Meeting Request Form to schedule either an online or in-person meeting.

Meeting Request Form

STEP 2: Submit Your Proposal

Submit your project proposal by completing the online application.

Online Application

STEP 3: Proposal Review

Applications are evaluated by ICU alumni who serve as external reviewers. JICUF staff review these evaluations and use them to make funding recommendations to the Grants Committee. The Grants Committee, which is made up of JICUF trustees, makes final funding decisions. Here is the link to the rubric they use to evaluate applications.

Evaluation Review Rubric

STEP 4: Award Acceptance

All successful applicants will receive an award packet. Students must read their award packet carefully and then sign and return it to JICUF to receive funding. After receiving the completed award packet, JICUF staff will consult with the student regarding the timing of the transfer of funds.

FUNDING CYCLES

Applications are accepted year-round and evaluated twice each academic year, providing you ample opportunity to launch your project when it makes the most sense for your planning and timeline.

⚠️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.

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT

Developing a budget is about more than requesting funding—it’s an opportunity to think carefully about what your project truly needs and how to use resources responsibly.

FUNDING AMOUNT
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
Below are the types of expenses we support:

Air Travel (Economy class airfare only) – Whenever possible, you will book your air travel through our preferred travel agency using the approved amount in your finalized budget.

Accommodations

Honoraria – ¥30,000 for qualified activities: keynote presentations, workshop facilitation, serving as a guide/fixer for a project abroad, etc. Note: individuals cannot receive more than one honoraria per project.

Supplies and materials
GUEST SUPPORT
For projects taking place at ICU that involve invited guests, JICUF may provide:

Up to two weeks of housing at Dialogue House.

Round-trip economy airfare (for international guests) and travel costs (for domestic guests within Japan)

A daily allowance of ¥5,000 per person to cover meals and local transportation for guests during their stay.
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.
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING
Academic research (senior thesis, master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation—see Othmer Research Fellowship (LINK) instead)

Program participation fees

Prize money or sponsorships

Electronic equipment purchases (Equipment rental are eligible.)

Food expenses while traveling

Gifts (omiyage)

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

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Using Campus Facilities

If you anticipate using ICU facilities, please contact Hideko Matsuyama (Japan Office Program Manager) at hmatsuyama@jicuf.org to discuss your plans.

If your project will use ICU facilities, you will need to receive approval from the relevant campus office. Receiving SDG Project funding does not automatically grant you access to campus facilities.

Tax Responsibilities

All awards are subject to taxability. Regardless of your citizenship, you must determine whether the award amount is taxable in your home country and/or country of residence. You are responsible for paying taxes due to your home country on the award monies.

AFTER YOUR PROJECT

PROJECT REPORT
RETURNING UNUSED FUNDS
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 Student A is in charge of a project for three years, Student B cannot apply for an additional three cycles. Student B must submit an application for a completely new project.
SDGs COMMUNITY EVENT

All SDG Projects grantees are invited to participate in our annual SDGs Community Event (held in April each year). This is a chance to connect with other students working on SDG projects, share your experience with students, and discover new ideas and collaborations. Whether you’ve just finished your project, are currently working on one, or are considering applying, this event brings together our community of student changemakers.

PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS