#Japan #Tokyo #community support #Kokumin Kyosai #NPO Grants

2025 Kokumin Kyosai Coop Community Contribution Grants: An Overview

The Kokumin Kyosai Coop, officially known as the National Workers’ Mutual Aid Cooperative Federation, has announced the launch of the 2025 Kokumin Kyosai Coop Community Contribution Grants. This program aims to support non-profit organizations (NPOs) and community groups that are actively involved in activities contributing to the betterment of local society. This year marks the 34th iteration of these grants, which began in 1992.

Supporting Local Initiatives for a Safer and Sustainable Future

The theme for this year’s funding initiative is "Toward a Future Where People Support Each Other and Can Live with Peace of Mind." The grants aim to assist organizations working on diverse initiatives such as disaster prevention, environmental conservation, and child development. By encouraging these local activities, the Kokumin Kyosai Coop aims to foster a sense of community support and resilience.

Eligibility Criteria for Grant Applicants

Eligible applicants include:
1. Non-profit organizations (NPOs), civic groups, general incorporated associations, and voluntary organizations.
2. Organizations must have at least one year of activity experience by the application deadline (August 25, 2025).

Grant Fund Details

• - Maximum funding per organization: ¥500,000 (one project per organization).
• - Total funding available: Up to ¥20 million.

Activities Supported by the Grants

Organizations can apply for grants to support the following types of activities:
1. Disaster preparedness initiatives: Conducting training workshops, creating disaster preparedness maps, organizing disaster prevention walks, etc.
2. Environmental protection efforts: Activities such as nature observation events, and conservation of forests and biodiversity.
3. Climate change mitigation and circular economy initiatives: Promotion of renewable energy, energy conservation, and 3R initiatives (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
4. Activities fostering connections among families and children: Parent-child salons, reading sessions, and play parks to reduce isolation.
5. Support for vulnerable families: Facilitating interactions among children and parents from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with disabilities, foreign nationalities, or single-parent households.

Funding Timeline

The activities funded must be carried out and completed between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

Application Period

Applications will be accepted from August 25, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
For detailed application guidelines, necessary documents, and further information, please visit the official website: Kokumin Kyosai Coop.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Kokumin Kyosai Coop is dedicated to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their activities align with the "Kokumin Kyosai Coop SDGs Action Declaration," focusing on six key areas:
1. Providing a sense of security through mutual aid.
2. Commitment to environmental conservation.
3. Promoting the healthy development of children.
4. Disaster prevention and reduction.
5. Community building through co-creation.
6. Developing an attractive organization.

The grant initiative is part of this broader mission to foster a society where no one is left behind, focusing on local organizations engaged in environmental preservation, child development, and disaster risk reduction.

About Kokumin Kyosai Coop

Established in September 1957, the Kokumin Kyosai Coop aims to build a rich and secure society through mutual support. As society faces challenges like an aging population and climate disasters, the coop continues to advocate for a cooperative approach to community well-being and resilience.

For more detailed insights into Kokumin Kyosai Coop's history and ongoing support programs, please visit Kokumin Kyosai Coop History.
In alignment with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025), the Kokumin Kyosai Coop actively promotes cooperation to enhance social contributions and raise awareness of cooperative enterprises. More information can be found on their IYC2025 page.