US-Japan Foundation: Call for LOIs

Overview:

The United States-Japan Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization working to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared challenges. We empower next-generation leaders and fund innovative initiatives, catalyzing collaboration and exchanges among stakeholders in search of solutions.

In an era characterized by uncertainty and division, we believe that a robust U.S.-Japan relationship is vital to global peace, prosperity, stability, and sustainability in the 21st century. We are committed not just to maintaining that friendship but empowering it for greater good: helping each other address problems and jointly extending that support to friends in the region and around the world. A core part of our strategy is to bolster civil society in each country, bringing together talent and resources to create a thriving community.

We've awarded more than $100 million in grants to advocates, artists, scholars and students, to bolster and project U.S.-Japan ties, making a meaningful difference in each country. [Read about recent awarded projects here.]

Before applying for a grant, please take the time to carefully review the following notes and limitations:

• Grants can only be made to holding non-profit status organizations. Foundation grants may not be used for lobbying or to support election to public offices.
• The Foundation accepts no responsibility for keeping any part of a request confidential and reserves the right to discuss a proposal with outside titled experts to assist the program staff in its evaluation.
• The Foundation limits overhead expenses to 10% of the total project budget.

Other information:

2025 Grants Cycle Timetable:

• First quarter Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline: Friday, March 28
• Second quarter LOI deadline: Friday, June 27
• Third quarter LOI deadline: Friday, September 26
• Fourth quarter LOI deadline: Friday, December 26

We will review LOIs during the month following each quarterly deadline and will invite selected applicants to submit a full grant proposal. 

We are also willing to consider time-sensitive proposals on an expedited basis. If you believe that your proposal requires an urgent decision, please provide a desired decision deadline and a detailed rationale for requesting accelerated consideration.

Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants

Overview:

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between thinkers working in largely disconnected fields, who, together, may change the course of climate change’s impact on human health. Between Fall 2023 and Summer 2026, we will dedicate $1 million to supporting small, early-stage grants of $2,500–$50,000 toward achieving this goal.

We are primarily, but not exclusively, interested in activities that build connections between basic and early biomedical scientific approaches and ecological, environmental, geological, geographic, and planetary-scale thinking, as well as with population-focused fields, including epidemiology and public health, demography, economics, and urban planning. Also of interest is work piloting new approaches or interactions aimed at reducing the impact of health-centered activities, such as developing more sustainable systems for healthcare, care delivery, and biomedical research.

Another area of interest is preparation for the impacts of extreme weather and other crises that can lead to large-scale disruptions, immediately affecting human health and the delivery of healthcare. Public outreach, climate communication, and education efforts focused on the intersection of climate and health are also appropriate for this call. This program supports work conceived through many kinds of creative thinking. Successful applicants include academic scientists, physicians, and public health experts, community organizations, science outreach centers, non-biomedical academic departments, and more.

This call focuses on developing partnerships. Proposals from single institutions must develop partnerships that do not already occur naturally: for example, proposals from departments that draw students from the same shared graduate program are not responsive to this call. Proposals from more than one institution are responsive. Academic institutions, professional societies, and advocacy organizations are only a few of the appropriate drivers of proposals. Only non-profit institutions may be supported by BWF’s award, but non-profits may involve for profit organizations in their proposals. This program does not support biomedical research projects proposed by individual investigators, but only by collaborative teams. 

Eligible proposals will include rationale/vision for the project, including who it is intended to impact. 

Individuals may only serve twice as directors (principal investigators/project directors) for proposals supported over time by this program. Current and past awardees from other BWF programs are eligible to apply.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicant organizations may submit multiple proposals, but an individual may only serve as a principal investigator/project director on one application during each review period.

Other information:

NOTE: Beginning April 30, 2025, we will no longer accept phone calls or emails regarding the Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants program. Instead, we will hold nine Zoom sessions per quarter to address questions from potential applicants. Sign up for notification for information. Only .org, .edu, and .ca email domains are eligible for subscription.

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 2026. A review will be conducted quarterly.

Rapid Response Bridge Funding Program

Overview:

In the face of recent abrupt shifts in federal funding for education research, including large-scale terminations of National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant awards, we have developed a rapid response bridge grant opportunity for impacted scholars, in collaboration with The Kapor Foundation, The William T. Grant Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This rapid response bridge funding opportunity is for scholars and teams whose grants have recently been cancelled by NSF. While it is impossible for private philanthropy to close the gap left by federal funders, we can provide modest grants to mitigate some of the impact on scholars, projects, and project teams. These $25,000 grants are for activities to address immediate needs following grant cancellations, including completing a wave of data collection, analyzing already collected data or writing, thoughtful project closure with community partners, or preparing grant proposals to continue the research. 

To be eligible for these grants, scholars must: (1) be working on research on STEM and education (including AI and CS, graduate education and MSIs, and scholarship that aims to reduce inequality), and (2) have had a recently terminated or cancelled grant from NSF. Where possible, we will prioritize early-career scholars.

We are asking that PIs provide: 

• The original funded proposal 
• Your NSF termination letter 
• A 2–3-page (no more than 1200 words) narrative memo describing the plan for activities to be completed over a 6-month period.
• A budget for a maximum $25,000 (no indirect costs). We ask that scholars ask for only what they need within this limit, and to note if they have access to bridging funds at their university. Our goal is to fund as many people as possible with our limited funds.

Other information:

There will be two deadlines for requests: May 30, 2025 and June 13, 2025 (12:00 p.m. Central). Principal Investigators may only apply once. Decisions for the May cycle will be made by June 15. Decisions for the June cycle will be made by June 30.

U.S. Embassy Tokyo PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview:

Other information:

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise 2-page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate projects idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation National Grant

Overview:

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation supports innovative projects that help youth with disabilities develop the leadership and employment skills they need to succeed. MEAF will also consider projects to create tools that help break down barriers to employment and increase job opportunities for young people* with disabilities entering the workforce, including returning veterans with disabilities.

Current Strategies and Recent Grants

• Inclusive Education
• Increasing the Talent Pipeline
• Mentoring and Internships
• School-Industry Partnership

MEAF supports projects from 501(c)(3) organizations that:

• Develop youth leadership & employment skills, and/or create tools for employers that help break down barriers and increase employment opportunities for youth and veterans with disabilities
• Present an innovative approach that leads to measurable employment outcomes for youth with disabilities
• Are national in scope, or model projects that have a definite plan for national dissemination and replication
• Support U.S. youth with disabilities as the main beneficiary, or young veterans with disabilities transitioning to civilian life
• Promote the full-inclusion of youth with disabilities alongside their peers without disabilities, and promote inclusive, competitive employment practices
• Have a well-defined evaluation, dissemination and replication plan

* MEAF defines youth from birth through college-aged (about 26)

Other information:

Deadline: MEAF accepts proposals between July 15 through November 1 every year for projects starting on or after April 1.

U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program

Overview:

The Kyrgyz Republic faces significant economic challenges, including limited opportunities for local entrepreneurs, insufficient workforce skills, and barriers to global market access. These issues contribute to economic stagnation, outmigration, and underutilization of the country's potential. The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek aims to address these challenges through a comprehensive program focused on promoting STEM education and business partnerships.

Past projects funded by the Mission have targeted various STEM programs, such as workshops on teacher training, youth programming, and workshops for STEM innovators. Successful projects have included:

• STEM Teacher Training: These initiatives have equipped in-service secondary and university educators to use innovative, experiential teaching techniques based on U.S.-designed STEM curriculum.
• Youth Programming: Coding and robotics masterclasses; science fairs and Olympiads; and project-based hackathons help young people see the practical application of STEM concepts while solving community problems.
• Workshops for STEM Innovators: Sessions on pitching, venture capital, and angel investing connected Kyrgyzstani inventors and designers with U.S. backers, growing initial concepts into sustainable, profitable businesses.

These initiatives demonstrated the need for activities that transition STEM education from outdated forms of rote memorization to interactive instruction. Previous projects also highlight the need for stronger connections between U.S. and Kyrgyz organizations in the STEM space to transfer knowledge in this field to Kyrgyz students, educators, and entrepreneurs. American expertise can transform STEM instruction and programming in the Kyrgyz Republic to contribute to innovation and job growth in this emerging sector. This NOFO will support STEM education and investment in the Kyrgyz Republic by:

• Training Educators: Offering STEM-specific trainings for teachers to improve their ability to deliver high-quality STEM education based on U.S. curriculum and/or modules.
• Fostering Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between U.S. organizations, and Kyrgyz educational institutions to create lasting STEM initiatives.
• Modernizing Curriculum: Updating the STEM curriculum to reflect current global standards and industry needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for future careers and recognize the United States as the global leader in STEM innovation, education, and training.
• Promoting Economic Opportunities: Creating pathways for students to enter STEM fields, as well as pathways for Kyrgyz STEM innovators to secure U.S. support.

Solicitation limitations:

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

Other information:

Deadline for Applications
Period 1: May 31, 2025; 11:59 p.m. (23:59) Bishkek time
Period 2: July 15,2025; 11.59 p.m. (23:59) Bishkek time

Length of performance period: 6-12 months

U.S. Mission New Zealand APS

Overview:

PDS New Zealand welcomes Statements of Interest from eligible parties from New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau for programs up to 24 months in duration that focus on certain priority areas. Proposals should focus on enhancing existing relationships and creating new pathways for engagement between the United States and the Pacific Region. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institutions/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of United States policy and perspectives.

The following organizations are eligible to apply: 

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations from New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. 
• Public and private educational institutions in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. 
• Individuals from New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions from New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. 

Goals and Objectives
PDS New Zealand invites Statements of Interest for projects that address and advance the following Mission priorities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

• Connecting Creatives: Elevate the voices of emerging and established cultural leaders from indigenous communities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States working in creative industries. Engage artists and experts to educate and share talent, expertise, culture, and democratic values. Enable creation of inclusive and collaborative professional and social networks and opportunities for artists and institutions that build lasting and meaningful connections.
• Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation: Create opportunities for partnerships between individuals and organizations in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. in the field of critical and emerging technologies, creating opportunities for innovation, diversification, growth, and collaboration in the tech sector.
• Leveraging the Full Potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Opportunities: Expand STEM education focus and encourage the creation of more job opportunities in STEM fields within New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau to increase pathways to future employment for New Zealanders to ensure economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
• Conservation for Prosperity: Advance efforts to protect the unique biodiversity and ecology of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, including sustainable ecotourism.

Priority Program Areas: 

1. Connecting Creatives: Elevate the voices of emerging and established cultural leaders from indigenous communities in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States working in creative industries. Engage artists and experts to educate and share talent, expertise, culture, and democratic values. Enable creation of inclusive and collaborative professional and social networks and opportunities for artists and institutions that build lasting and meaningful connections. 
2. Enhancing Economic Resilience through Diversification and Innovation: Create opportunities for partnerships between individuals and organizations in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the United States. in the field of critical and emerging technologies, creating opportunities for innovation, diversification, growth, and collaboration in the tech sector. 
3. Leveraging the Full Potential of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Opportunities: Expand STEM education focus and encourage the creation of more job opportunities in STEM fields within New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau to increase pathways to future employment for New Zealanders to ensure economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
4. Conservation for Prosperity: Advance efforts to protect the unique biodiversity and ecology of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, including sustainable ecotourism. 

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less.

2025 NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative

Overview:

With this solicitation, NSF invites proposals for three of five types of projects (described below) that connect and contribute to the National Network: (1) Alliances, (2) Network Connectors, and (2) Conferences. 

1. Alliances are large-scale networks that implement, study, and scale up systemic strategies that address a critical broadening participation challenge in STEM. Like Collaborative Change Consortia, Alliances build the infrastructure necessary to foster collaboration and broaden participation in STEM, but for Alliances, the level of impact should be national and supported by a backbone organization. Alliances engage partners to operationalize the five design elements of collaborative infrastructure; work to achieve common goals through well-defined, common objectives; contribute rigorous and innovative research to the knowledge base about broadening participation in STEM; leverage NSF’s broadening participation investments; and use lessons learned, promising practices, evidence-based mechanisms, the science of broadening participation, and research and evaluations from past and present efforts to transform systems and broaden participation in STEM at scale. Alliances are required to: 

• Develop a shared vision and strategy for broadening the participation of an identified population(s) in STEM, along with relevant metrics of progress and key milestones/goals to be achieved at a national level, during the funding period and beyond; Establish multi-sector partnerships and build infrastructure to achieve progress on the project’s goals; Contribute rigorous and innovative research to the knowledge base on broadening participation in STEM;
• Establish a "backbone" (i.e., support) organization that provides a framework for continuous communication, data management, capacity building, networking, expansion, sustainability, and visibility of the project network beyond a single city, state, or region;
• Advance a logic model or other heuristic that identifies Alliance outcomes, reflecting the implementation of change at a national scale and progress toward developing an inclusive STEM enterprise;
• Collaborate with the INCLUDES Coordination Hub to share project evaluations, data, new scientific findings/discoveries, and promising practices with the INCLUDES National Network and build critical knowledge that enables measurable progress toward INCLUDES goals;
• Participate in a network of peer alliances and the INCLUDES National Network to achieve INCLUDES goals;
• Work to build connections to other organizations and broadening participation stakeholders to join in and expand the INCLUDES National Network.

2. Network Connectors initiate or maintain linkages to the INCLUDES National Network for projects or partnerships that are not currently funded by the INCLUDES Initiative. Network connector proposals may be submitted by existing NSF-funded and non-NSF funded projects seeking funding to provide or participate in:
   • new collaborations that expand the impact of active or previously-funded INCLUDES projects;
   • new opportunities for collaboration across the INCLUDES National Network; novel ideas to bring a community of NSF-funded projects into the INCLUDES National Network;
   • efforts to equitably scale up innovative and evidence-based approaches to broadening participation in STEM;
   • NSF-funded research activities with the goal of broadening participation in STEM;
   • development of shared goals, measures, and mutually reinforcing activities to build collaborative infrastructure for broadening participation in STEM;
   • communicating knowledge and results from the NSF broadening participation portfolio of programs and projects, NSF Center-scale activities, or other major Foundation investments; or
   • communicating findings from the science of broadening participation research community to the INCLUDES National Network, especially pertaining to new efforts to translate basic research into practice.

Network Connectors implement connections to NSF-funded or other existing projects and evidence-based approaches. A letter of collaboration from a leader of the existing project is needed. Institutions and organizations that are new to the National Network who are looking to adopt or adapt evidence-based practices that emerged from current or previously-funded INCLUDES projects are encouraged to apply.

3. Conferences provide platforms for new collaborations or exchange of ideas that strengthen the INCLUDES National Network. Conference proposals may be submitted by current or former INCLUDES awardees or organizations that are not currently part of the INCLUDES portfolio. 
   
   The INCLUDES Initiative will consider conference proposals on an ongoing basis. Please note that although Conference proposals may be accepted at any time, proposals received after the second Tuesday in May target date each year may not be reviewed until the next fiscal year.

Solicitation limitations:

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: An organization may serve as a lead organization on only one proposal per project type, not including conferences. Proposals that exceed the organizational limit will be returned without review. No exceptions will be made. 

For Network Connectors and Conferences, full proposals must be submitted as a single submission from a lead organization, with other collaborating organizations included as subawardees.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI:
An individual may serve as a PI or Co-PI on only one INCLUDES proposal per annual due date, not including conferences. Proposals that exceed the PI or Co-PI limit will be returned without review. No exceptions will be made. 

A PI or co-PI of an active INCLUDES Alliance may not be a PI or co-PI on a proposal under this solicitation, if the Alliance would still be active at the start of the new award. This limit does not include conference proposals. 

Other information:

Network connector proposals may request up to $250,000 per year for up to two years.
Alliance proposals may request up to $2,000,000 per year for up to five years.
Conference proposals may request up to $100,000 for one year.

Investigators planning to submit a proposal are strongly encouraged to submit a one-page description of their proposal idea to [email protected] at least three months prior to proposal submission. An INCLUDES program director with related expertise will review and provide feedback on the alignment of the idea with the solicitation.

U.S. Embassy Cairo Annual Program Statement

Overview:

The Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Cairo (PDS Cairo) is pleased to announce the publication of U.S. Embassy Cairo’s Annual Program Statement, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes of interest, and the procedures for submitting proposals.

All proposals must include a connection with U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a way that promotes increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives and/or celebrates U.S. culture and values. Proposals that include programming across multiple governorates (with a focus on Upper Egypt and the Delta regions) and/or promote increased collaboration and networking among U.S. government program alumni are encouraged.

PDS Cairo invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the United States and Egypt through cultural, economic, educational, and professional programming.

Priority Program Areas: Examples of priority areas of engagement that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to:  

• Initiatives designed to invest in populations otherwise most likely to pursue routes for out-migration, to discourage illegal immigration, and to counter disinformation from migrant smugglers.  
• Initiatives that further the U.S. pursuit of fair economic engagement, that prioritize mutual prosperity, and that expand economic and commercial links between the United States and Egypt. 
• Initiatives that increase awareness and understanding among broad elements of Egyptian society of the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership across diplomatic, security, and economic issues, with a particular focus on the sustained U.S. investment in Egypt’s development, stability, and wellbeing. 
• Initiatives that promote collaboration between the United States and Egypt in the fields of energy (including water security), STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), cybersecurity, space, and artificial intelligence (AI). 
• Initiatives that advance the interests of U.S. higher education institutions, to include the establishment of U.S. international branch campuses in Egypt, or efforts to intensify collaboration and partnerships between U.S. and Egyptian higher education institutions through professional and academic exchanges and programs. 
• Programs that leverage the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA Men's Soccer World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in a way that demonstrates U.S. economic strength, infrastructure, and leadership.
• Artistic and cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, or other activities that celebrate American excellence in visual and performing arts, music, heritage protection, and film.

Participants and Audiences: All programs should focus on audiences in Egypt. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, sex, geographic location, and anticipated reach. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly – for example, via social media or traditional media.

Specific audiences who are considered a priority for awards funded under this Annual Program Statement include: 

• Young leaders between the ages of 18-45; 
• Audiences residing outside of Greater Cairo, with a particular focus on reaching participants in Alexandria, Aswan, Damietta, Alamein, Minya, Port Said, and Luxor; and 
• Alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange programs.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:  

• Programs relating to partisan political activity; 
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction programs; 
• Programs that support specific religious activities; 
• Fund-raising campaigns; 
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; 
• Scientific research; 
• Programs that overtly promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI);   
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Other information:

Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in one year or less.
Cost Sharing or Matching: Ideas for cost sharing are not required but are both welcomed and encouraged.

Change Happens Foundation Grant

Overview:

The Change Happens Foundation is dedicated to forging a brighter future where innovation aligns with the pillars of environmental stewardship, education, and human services. We strategically invest in initiatives that catalyze systemic and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, aiming to ignite a ripple effect of change for a healthier, more resilient world. In the realm of education, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering women and underrepresented communities by dismantling barriers and cultivating opportunities that fuel aspirations and transformative change. Our human services focus addresses nutrition and support, combatting food insecurity and enhancing community health through strategic funding that empowers and nurtures long-term well-being. Each initiative is a step toward a legacy that values courage, collaboration, and impactful change, ensuring a thriving planet and equitable society for future generations.

We prioritize supporting organizations that operate nationwide or globally, aiming to create significant impact across the country and beyond. Additionally, we occasionally offer smaller community grants to initiatives within specific regions, including Iowa, the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara County, the Puget Sound area, and Portland.

Additionally, one catalytic international grant is awarded each quarter to support disadvantaged regions globally.

Solicitation limitations:

To be considered for funding, organizations must have a current 501(c)(3) Public Charity status, be a recognized government entity, or an IRS-recognized tribe. 

Other information:

Sponsor Deadline: Rolling Deadline for LOIs

Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Initiate your application by submitting a Letter of Inquiry through our portal. This step helps assess whether your project matches our current priorities and budget.

Proposal Submission: Following a positive review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal for further consideration and meet virtually with a Co-Executive Director prior to a full board vote.

Our grants do not cover indirect costs such as processing or fiscal sponsor fees. Applicants will need to secure other resources for such expenses.