Japan NPO Center (JNPOC) is an "infrastructure organization" for the private nonprofit sector. It aims to strengthen the social foundations of nonprofits and to build new partnerships with companies and government, which share responsibility for creating civil society. It was founded on November 22, 1996, and became a specified nonprofit corporation on June 1, 1999.
Its work is organized by audience: NPO support centers and grant-making bodies, nonprofits themselves, companies, government, researchers and the media. For nonprofits it offers training, networking opportunities, IT support and funding-intermediary programs; for companies it proposes social contribution programs; and with government it carries out collaborative projects. Its membership is introduced as 660 full members and 172 associate members as of March 31, 2024.
It also runs "NPO Hiroba," a database of NPO corporations, publishes books such as the "Things to Know about NPOs" booklet series, dispatches lecturers, and publishes a list of NPO support centers across the country. It is also introduced as supporting local nonprofits in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, starting in March 2011, immediately after the disaster.
Key points
- Working since its founding in 1996 to strengthen the social base of nonprofits
- Support menus tailored to nonprofits, companies, government, researchers and the media
- Sharing useful information for nonprofit management through the "NPO Hiroba" database and books
Why this organization deserves attention
For nonprofits to make the most of their strengths, they need a solid foundation. From the position of an intermediary support organization, JNPOC works on building that foundation through training, information, funding intermediation and IT support.
It also puts effort into creating places where companies, government and nonprofits can meet and face issues together. It publishes basic explanations and a Q&A about NPOs as well, offering an entry point for people who want to start an organization or support nonprofits.
Editor's comment
Behind every activity we see, there are systems and partners that support it. Learning about JNPOC's work gives us a small glimpse of how citizens' activities take root in society.
The official website brings together basic knowledge about NPOs, news and event information. Why not start with a topic that catches your interest?