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SoilxPolicy Fund: Supporting Social Change Through Policy Proposals

The SoilxPolicy Fund, a collaborative initiative between the non-profit organization Soil and PoliPoli Inc., has launched its third round of applications to assist organizations tackling social challenges. This initiative allows selected organizations to not only receive funding but also engage in significant policy advocacy activities that aim to create impactful social change.

In November 2023, PoliPoli, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, announced the opening of applications for participation in the third phase of the SoilxPolicy Fund. The total amount available for fundraising in this round is set at 500 million yen, and they are actively recruiting donors to support these efforts. The Fund encourages organizations that possess specialized knowledge in various social issue areas to apply, facilitating a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges through policy suggestions.

What is the SoilxPolicy Fund?

The SoilxPolicy Fund aims to empower organizations that are dedicated to solving social issues while maintaining transparency and neutrality in its selection process. Eligible organizations will undergo a review by donors and experts, ensuring a fair evaluation.

Funding of up to 5 million yen will be allocated to selected organizations, which will begin accepting applications in late 2025. The evaluation process will include multiple stages: an initial document review, followed by interviews and a final presentation assessment, culminating in the announcement of successful applicants in April 2026.

To gain insight into the initiative, an online information session is scheduled for November 26, 2023, allowing interested organizations to learn more about their eligibility and get answers to their questions. This meeting is especially valuable for those considering engagement in policy advocacy or looking to understand how to navigate the application process.

Sign up for the information session here!

Comments from Contributors

Donors involved in the SoilxPolicy Fund express a strong commitment to reimagining philanthropy for a sustainable future. More than six donors have stepped forward to support the third round, forming a community of entrepreneurs and business leaders dedicated to solving pressing societal issues.

Tetsushi Kuda, Executive Director of Soil, expressed his enthusiasm for launching the third phase of the SoilxPolicy Fund, reflecting on the progress made since the second phase. He highlighted the collaborative potential within this initiative that fosters innovation and social contribution.

Similarly, Ryuu Muramatsu, a fund operator, shared his commitment to making a difference, noting the emotional resonance of contributing to the future, even if one's actions may not be seen. The philosophical sentiment echoes the desire for lasting impact on society, with a focus on future generations.

Tsutomu Kudo, President of F-Code, shared that the public and private sectors can jointly explore policy-level experiments that maximize social impact. He is hopeful this fund will support policies that help individuals in difficult socio-economic situations.

Ei Suzuki, CEO of Social Innovation Partners, emphasized the essential nature of community engagement and the role of policy reform in fostering social equity.

Kazuma Ito, CEO of PoliPoli, reiterated their objective in initiating the SoilxPolicy Fund – to foster small-scale, timely experiments in social issue resolution that can be subsequently proposed to government and local authorities.

The prior round of contributions supported seven organizations that initiated proof-of-concept experiments with local governments. Participants in the SoilxPolicy Fund actively engage in the political discourse by working alongside policymakers on issues affecting their communities, contributing to policy proposals that echo the voices of the public.

Conclusion

The SoilxPolicy Fund represents an opportunity to align philanthropic efforts with actionable social policies, creating new pathways for organizations dedicated to solving pressing societal issues. By fostering collaboration and supporting policy development, the Fund seeks to drive meaningful change and enhance the impact of non-profit initiatives across Japan. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply, and a culture of community and partnership promises to yield transformative results.

For more information about the SoilxPolicy Fund, please visit SoilxPolicy Fund Information.