#Japan #community support #Kansai #Japan Philanthropic Foundation #Down Syndrome Fund

Launch of the Third Round of the Down Syndrome Housing and Employment Environment Fund

In an essential initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, the Japan Philanthropic Foundation is excited to announce the commencement of applications for the third round of the Down Syndrome Housing and Employment Environment Fund. This opportunity will be open from September 1, 2025, through October 24, 2025.

The fund, which was rebranded from the Down Syndrome Housing Support Fund in August 2025, is focused on addressing the evolving needs of individuals with Down syndrome, as advancements in medical care have significantly lengthened their lifespans. To facilitate a fuller, richer life experience, many new challenges have emerged related to community integration, aging care, and sustainable living conditions. The foundation's primary goal is to empower those aged 18 and older with Down syndrome along with other intellectual disabilities to live confidently and collaboratively in community settings, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Objectives of the Fund

The Down Syndrome Housing and Employment Environment Fund aims to support collaborative living arrangements and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, enriching their daily lives. This involves supporting groups and organizations that provide group homes, life care services, and sustained employment support facilities.

Funded Facilities

Eligible facilities for funding include:

• - Group homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• - Life care service providers
• - Type A and Type B continuous employment support workplaces

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the funding:

• - Operate eligible facilities within the Kansai region, encompassing two prefectures and four counties.
• - Must be a non-profit organization, such as associations, foundations (both general and public), social welfare organizations, or specified non-profit organizations.

Funding Details

The total funding allocated for this initiative is anticipated to be 15 million yen. Individual grants will range from 500,000 yen to a maximum of 3 million yen, with up to 15 projects expected to receive funding. The grant period is set from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Application Schedule

• - Opening Date: September 1, 2025
• - Online Information Session: September 26, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00
• - Application Deadline: October 24, 2025, by 17:00
• - Notification of Results: Expected in late December 2025
• - Grant Disbursement: Anticipated in mid-January 2026

Online Information Session

An online information session will be held for organizations considering application. Pre-registration is required to participate. The application deadline for this registration is September 24, 2025, at 23:59. Please submit your application via the provided link (Microsoft Forms).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the electronic application system