In the current 2009-2010 fiscal year, The Japan Foundation Sydney office is able to offer a limited number of local grants in support of projects in the field of Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange.

The two available grants are:

Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange Local Grant - Supports projects such as conferences, lectures and presentations conducted by non-profit organisations (individuals are not eligible to apply).

Travel Support Grant - Provides funds for researchers to travel to Japan in order to further their Japanese studies-related projects.

The application period is open throughout the 2009-2010 fiscal year, but applications must be received by the Japan Foundation, Sydney office at least 2 months prior to the project start date.

1. Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange Local Grant

• Non-profit organisations (universities, research institutes, NGO/NPO) are eligible to apply. Applications from individuals will not be accepted.
• The purpose of the applicant’s project must be to develop a wider understanding of Japan through the exchange of ideas at an academic level. Projects may include conferences, lectures, presentations or any other project deemed to fit the field of Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange.

• In principle, applicants who have already received funding from other Japan Foundation grants for the same project cannot apply.
• In principle, applications from organisations which have already received the JS & IE Local Grant in the previous fiscal year may be given lower priority.
• Japanese Language education programs are excluded. Please contact the Japanese Language department of the Japan Foundation, Sydney for Japanese language education programs.
• Martial arts, medical, technical, or scientific projects are excluded.
• Political activities, religious activities, social welfare activities, and commercial activities are not considered.

In principle, the amount allocated per project will not exceed $3000 (the majority of grants awarded will range from $500 - $1500, and a grant exceeding $2500 is unlikely to be awarded). The grant will be paid by cheque to the applying organisation’s bank account, upon receipt by the Japan Foundation Sydney office of the completed Acceptance of Grant and Application for Payment form.

The following expenditure items may be covered by the grant:

• Travel expenses (airfares, domestic transportation and accommodation expenses).
• Honoraria for lectures
• Venue and equipment hire
• Research materials
• Printing/publicity costs

Application forms can be obtained from the Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange department of the Japan Foundation, Sydney. Applicants will also be required to submit a full budget proposal and information on the applying organisation. Please contact the Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange department to discuss the eligibility of your project before making a formal application.

The application period is open for the entire 2009-2010 fiscal year, however, applications must be received by the Japan Foundation, Sydney office at least 2 months prior to the project start date.

2. Travel Support Grant

• Scholars/academics working in Australia at Masters level or above in the field of Japanese studies.
• Those from non profit-making organisations (such as NGOs) wishing to pursue research, or to undertake a Japan-related project with Japanese counterparts.
• Priority will be given to applicants affiliated with an institution but applicants who are not will also be considered depending on the relevance of the research/project.
• Applicants must hold permanent residency in Australia.

Applicants may receive up to $1000 towards the cost of the international airfare to and from Japan, or the actual cost of a ticket, whichever is the lesser amount. The grant will be paid on production of travel ticket receipt, before the applicant travels to Japan.

• The application must be made on the required application form outlining the research/project, its aims, objectives and outcomes.
• In the case of graduate student applicants, applications must be submitted through the supervisor or advisor concerned and a confidential reference will be required testifying to the value of the research/project in question.
• An affiliate in Japan is desirable, but not essential, and will depend on the nature of the particular research/project to be undertaken.
• Applicants interested in making a future application to the Japan Foundation Fellowship Program should consult with Japan Foundation staff before applying for this program.

The application period is open for the entire 2009-2010 fiscal year, however, applications must be received by the Japan Foundation, Sydney office at least 2 months before intended travel.

• Previous stays in Japan are not relevant but those in receipt of a Japan Foundation grant within the past 3 years will be given lower priority
• A Final Report will be required for submission to the Japan Foundation, Sydney office within one month of the applicant’s return to Australia

To obtain an application form or for further details please contact the Program Coordinator, Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange Department on 02 8239 0055 or jsgrants@jpf.org,au