Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects (GCGP)

Grant assistance for Cultural Grassroots Project (GCGP) provides nonrefundable financial assistance to support the implementation of cultural and higher education projects conducted by non-profit organizations (including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities, research and higher education institutions, etc.) that are active at the grass-roots level in developing countries. GCGP directly supports the promotion of culture at the grass-roots level and higher education in each country, while also acting as cooperation which encourages understanding of and cultural exchanges with Japan.

Recipients/Eligible Institutions
NGOs, research/educational institutions, local government units, non-government and non-profit cultural and higher educational organizations. Individuals are not eligible.

Conditions

• The proposal must specify a project that aims at promoting culture and education (e.g. preservation of cultural relics, exhibition or performance of cultural activities, promotion of higher education or research). Administrative expenses of the applicant organization are not included.
• The project must directly benefit grassroots activities (preferably projects which involve the local community). The recipient must be the applicant organization and the local community as the direct beneficiaries. It is to be expected that the management, maintenance and administration of the project facilities will directly involve the community.
• As a matter of principle, the project must be implemented locally.
• The project must be included in the list of allowed equipment or activities.

Prioritized Areas

1. Promotion of sports activities (preference will be given to Japanese sports)
2. Japanese language education
3. Promotion of music
4. Cultural facilities (Light and sound system in a cultural theatres)
5. Preservation of cultural relics

Ineligible Items

• Projects that are currently receiving aid through some other grant schemes
• Projects that do not directly benefit the grassroots level and are not directly related to cultural activities
• Staff salary
• Electricity and water consumption
• Rent for homes or office
• Fuel and/or gas for vehicles
• Consumables (supplies, etc.)
• Equipment for proponent’s office (e.g. stationery, cellular phones, etc.)
• Vehicles
• Land purchase
• Animal dispersal
• Funding for research and/or project conceptualization
• Funding for missionary projects, political activities or activities related to elections,commercial projects, and projects supporting specific doctrines or ideologies, or military projects
• Organization of cultural festivals/performances
• Payment for VAT, customs and duties, registration/license/certification fees, etc.
• Inflation

Pamphlet in English (PDF)

For further details (click here)

Conditions are subject to change

An eligible organization (other than from Sindh and Balochistan) should send its application directly to the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan. The deadline for submission varies every year. Please contact the Embassy for further details.


Applications by email or fax will not be accepted.

Mailing Address 
Public Affairs Section (GCGP Unit),
Embassy of Japan
53-70, Diplomatic Enclave 1, Ramna-5/4,
Islamabad

Applications from Sindh and Balochistan are processed by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi, and should be sent by post to:
 
GCGP Unit
Consulate General of Japan
6/2 Civil line Abdullah Haroon Road
Karachi, Pakistan.
Ph: 021-3522-0800