The Kinold Sugimoto Memorial Foundation is a general incorporated foundation based in Sapporo. Its founder was concerned about the state of education and healthcare for children in developing countries and established the foundation in the belief that improving them would contribute to international stability and peace for the next generation.
Its work has three parts: support for building schools and other educational facilities in developing countries, support for building facilities related to medical care, public health and well-being, and support for children's education, healthcare and health, together with grants to organizations in Japan and abroad that carry out such support.
The foundation's name comes from Bishop Kinold, the German missionary involved in founding schools such as Sapporo Kosei High School. Its news section reports aid in March 2026 to the primary schools attached to the Phnom Penh and Battambang teacher training universities, aid in October 2024 to the Easter Village Children's Home, and a feature on its activities on the JICA website in April 2026.
Key points
- Supports the building of schools, educational facilities and medical and health facilities in developing countries
- Grants to organizations in Japan and abroad that carry out support activities are also a pillar of its work
- Publishes its record of aid, including primary schools attached to teacher training universities in Cambodia
Why this organization's work stands out
The background of its founding is explained with care, centered on the wish to provide places of learning for the children who will lead their countries. Combining the building of facilities with grants to organizations already on the ground is a distinctive feature.
Its aid record is posted in the news section, offering a clue to what kinds of support are being provided. The perspective that schools built with Japanese support can deepen ties with Japan is also a useful reference.
Editor's comment
It was encouraging to learn how a foundation born from one person's wish is widening learning opportunities for children overseas, and how varied the forms of support can be.
The story of its founding and its latest aid are on the official website. Please take a look.