#Japan #Education Support #Bunkyo #Library Promotion #Grants Program

Library Promotion Foundation Opens Grant Applications for 2026

The Public Interest Corporation, Library Promotion Foundation, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has officially announced the start of its grant applications for the fiscal year 2026, beginning August 22, 2025. This initiative aims to foster the healthy development of library services across Japan, ultimately contributing to the educational and cultural advancement of its citizens.

About the Grant Program

The grant program is designed to not only address local library issues but also to promote projects with broader implications for community development and new models within the national library sector. The 2026 grant will cover the following areas of support:

1. Assistance for Library Operations
2. Research and Projects on the Future of Libraries
3. Promotion of the Use of Collections Held by Cultural and Educational Facilities
4. Support for Learning Activities and Reading Initiatives

Grant Amounts

The total grant amount for the year 2026 is set at 700 million yen, with the maximum amounts allocated as follows:

• - For categories 1, 2, and 3: Up to 10 million yen per project
• - For category 4: Up to 1 million yen per project

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants for this grant program must be active in Japan and can include:
1. Local Public Entities
2. Educational Institutions
3. Non-Profit Organizations
4. Other individuals or entities recognized as appropriate by the Foundation.

Important Note: Individuals must apply in collaboration with one of the following: local public entities, public libraries, or research institutions.

Application Timeline for 2026 Grants

The following schedule will guide the application and selection process:

• - Application Period: August 22, 2025 (Friday) - October 31, 2025 (Friday) by 5:00 PM
• - First Round Review (Document Selection): December 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
• - Second Round Review (Interviews): January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
• - Grant Recipients Announcement: February 20, 2026 (Friday, tentative)

Detailed information regarding the application process and review stages can be found on the Foundation's website.

How to Apply

Interested parties should download the designated application forms from the Foundation's website, complete them, and submit them via post by the application deadline. For comprehensive grant guidelines, refer to the provided PDF on their site.

Advice from Previous Grant Recipients

It is crucial to present your application as a compelling narrative that conveys the necessity of your project. Selection committee members are well-versed and able to discern impactful stories. Applicants should clearly express their understanding of the issue at hand, depict the target audience, and illustrate the potential changes that could arise from successful project implementation. Crafting your application in this storytelling manner can resonate with reviewers.

Past Grant Achievements

For those interested in seeing how funds have been used in previous years, detailed records from fiscal years 2009 through 2025 are available for review on the Foundation's website.

Foundation Overview

Established in November 2008, the Library Promotion Foundation strives to enhance library services while receiving public interest certification in 2012. The Foundation actively engages in various initiatives aimed at supporting community growth and educational development through libraries. They organize competitions and offer assistance to innovative projects within the library sector.

• - Name: Public Interest Corporation Library Promotion Foundation
• - Location: 5-2-2 Koishikawa, Bunkyo, Tokyo
• - Establishment: November 18, 2008
• - Assets: 4 billion yen
• - Chairperson: Yoshinori Ozawa
• - Website: toshokan.or.jp
• - Instagram: @toshokan_shinko
• - Twitter: @Toshok_Zaidan
• - YouTube: Toshokan Promotion Foundation Channel