Service Grant Joins Forces with Saga Prefecture to Enhance CSO Activities in Kyushu

Service Grant Partners with Saga Prefecture for CSO Development

In a significant move to enhance civil society organization (CSO) activities, Service Grant, a certified NPO based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially signed an expansion agreement with Saga Prefecture and the Saga Future Creation Fund. This strategic partnership focuses on utilizing pro bono services to strengthen CSO foundations throughout Kyushu, addressing various social and community challenges.

The Importance of Service Grant's Expansion in Saga

Founded in 2005, Service Grant has been a pioneer in pro bono activities in Japan, coordinating over 2,300 pro bono projects nationally. The decision to establish a base in Saga Prefecture is driven by several key factors:

1. Recognition as a Hub for CSO Support: Saga has gained national recognition as a leader in CSO support, particularly through its generous financial backing via hometown tax donations. In the fiscal year 2021, approximately 910 million yen was contributed to 103 organizations in the area, establishing it as a progressive region for CSO activities.

2. A Culture of Community Engagement: Saga has a well-established culture of social contributions, with a volunteer participation rate of 24.8%, ranking second nationally. Moreover, 59.4% of Saga’s public employees engage in volunteer work, showcasing a supportive environment for collaborative efforts.

3. Strengthening CSO Support with Pro Bono: The integration of non-financial support—pro bono activities—alongside monetary contributions further solidifies a robust foundation for CSOs in Saga. This dual support framework allows for enhanced resource sharing and expertise, creating a comprehensive support system.

4. Local Staffing Enhancing Community Ties: The initiative is bolstered by the inclusion of local staff residing in Karatsu, enabling more regionally-focused activities.

5. Expanding Pro Bono Across Kyushu: With established collaborations, such as the unique partnership with Nagasaki Prefecture, Service Grant is ready to amplify its pro bono services throughout Kyushu, starting from its base in Saga.

Upcoming Initiatives and Activities in Saga

As Service Grant sets foot in Saga, it plans to implement six key initiatives to facilitate community-based development:

1. Discovery of Pro Bono Workers

The organization aims to identify pro bono workers not only among local residents but also within related populations and locals currently residing elsewhere. Conducting informative sessions will help match these individuals with local CSOs, thus customizing support to meet Saga's specific needs.