Library Development Foundation Announces Grant Program with 100 Million Yen Fund

Library Development Foundation Announces Grant Program

The Japanese Library Development Foundation, based in Bunkyo, Tokyo and led by President Yukinori Ozawa, has kicked off the application phase for its 2025 Grant Program starting June 16, 2025. This program aims to encourage the healthy development of libraries across the nation and contribute to the advancement of education and culture for the public.

What is the Grant Program?

The Grant Program, funded by donations from other organizations, aims to support initiatives for the digitization of local documents and valuable materials. This includes creating digital archives accessible to the public. The 2025 Grant Program has two main categories for public applications:

1. Digital Publication Projects related to the digitization of local documents and valuable materials.
2. Utilization Projects aimed at applying the digital data for various purposes such as educational initiatives, social education, and tourism promotion.

These grants are intended for cutting-edge and practical projects that align with local issue resolution or innovation. The foundation is dedicated to supporting activities that bring tangible benefits to the community and society through libraries.

Grant Amount

The total grant fund for the 2025 fiscal year is capped at 100 million yen, with each individual grant limited to a maximum of 30 million yen.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates for the Grant Program must operate within Japan and can include:

- Local governmental entities or organizations established by them
- Educational institutions
- Non-profit organizations (approved by local government)
- Other individuals or organizations deemed appropriate by the Foundation

2025 Grant Schedule

The following schedule outlines the application process:

- Application Submission Period: June 16, 2025 - October 22, 2025, by 5:00 PM (applications must be postmarked by this deadline)
- First Round Evaluation (Document Review): November 26, 2025
- Second Round Evaluation (Interviews): December 17, 2025
- Grant Award Decisions: Expected January 2026
- Grant Disbursement: Expected after January 2026

For detailed information about the application and evaluation processes, please visit the official link below.

Application Method

Applicants need to download and fill out the designated application forms from the Foundation's website. It is vital to submit these documents within the application period (strictly no extensions). The guidelines for the application can be found in the PDF linked below.

For more details about the grants, including schedule, guidelines, and application forms, visit the Foundation's website.

Past Grant Achievements

Details regarding grant achievements from the fiscal years 2012 to 2023 can be accessed through the link provided below.

About the Library Development Foundation

Established in November 2008, the Library Development Foundation aims to promote libraries and has transitioned to a public interest incorporated foundation since 2012. The Foundation not only runs the “Research Learning Contest using Libraries” but also engages in various activities to foster growth in people and invigorate communities.