The Nippon Foundation is a public interest foundation that aims to build a better society, acting as a hub for "social innovation" in areas such as support for children, support for people with disabilities and disaster recovery. It connects all kinds of people and organizations with the goal of realizing "a society where everyone supports everyone." It was established on October 1, 1962 (Showa 37), and its endowment is introduced as 28.7 billion yen.
Its work covers six areas: children, oceans, international affairs, disasters, disability and society. Beyond direct support in the area of children, it aims for "a world where children do not give up on what matters to them" through approaches in diverse areas. Its website also carries donation-usage reports on initiatives such as the "Nippon Foundation Dream Scholarship" and "Third Places for Children."
In its grant program, applications for fiscal 2027 grants opened on October 1, 2026. In times of disaster, it also collects donations for relief in affected areas. "The Nippon Foundation Journal" is a web media outlet that conveys the challenges of people tackling social issues and offers hints for finding actions that each of us can take.
Key points
- Working in six areas: children, oceans, international affairs, disasters, disability and society
- Calls for grant applications and donations for relief in disaster-affected areas
- The "Nippon Foundation Journal" shares hints for social contribution and challenges on the front lines
Why this organization deserves attention
As a foundation with a wide range of areas, it supports the activities of many organizations through grants while also carrying out its own projects. It publishes "donation-usage reports" on how donations are used, allowing readers to see conditions on the ground.
The Journal covers familiar themes such as volunteering, donations, nonprofit management and disaster preparedness. It can serve as a place to find a first step when you want to do something for society.
Editor's comment
Behind work in international cooperation and welfare, there are grants and donations that back the activities. Learning about the Nippon Foundation's efforts lets us see how the circle of social contribution widens.
The Journal on the official website is enjoyable reading as well. Why not start with a theme that interests you?