U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant
The year 2025 marks the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and U.S. and 80 years since the end of World War II. In only three generations, this relationship has grown to become one of the world’s strongest bilateral partnerships. According to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S.-Japan alliance is “the cornerstone of U.S. security interests in Asia and fundamental to regional stability and prosperity.”
As a result, city-to-city connections have also flourished. Since 1956, there have been more U.S. sister cities partnerships with Japan than with any other country (the current active count is 250+.) Historically, these programs have focused on arts and culture, sports, elected officials, and economic development. Building on the enriching relationships and impactful exchanges fostered by these programs, we continue to seek creative and innovative ways to partner together.
In today’s increasingly globalized and politically divided world, new approaches are needed to create stability while addressing the world’s most pressing issues. While sister city relationships begin as city-to-city friendships, they can also be catalysts for long-term social impact. These partnerships can be “living laboratories”, bringing together stakeholders to foster collaborative, cross-border dialogue to address shared global issues like climate change, depopulation, aging, immigration and refugees, local nonprofit impact, clean energy, zero-waste communities, among others.
Sister Cities International (SCI), in partnership with the U.S.-Japan Foundation, is launching the U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant, a competitive process for U.S. and Japanese partner communities to discuss approaches and solutions to key topics of mutual interest together. City-to-city connections can be powerful platforms for action through “subnational diplomacy” – connections between cities and states/prefectures – as a vehicle for global communities to unite for the greater good.
Timeline
- September 16, 2025 – U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant Program is officially announced at the 2025 U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit
- November 1, 2025 – Application submission window opens at www.sistercities.org
- December 31, 2025 – Application submission window closes at 11:59pm ET
- January 30, 2026 – Grant winners announced
- February 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026 – Grant implementation window
- October 2026 – Presentation of findings and impact reports
Sister Cities International reserves the right to modify dates and deadlines.
Eligibility
- Only dues-paying U.S. members of Sister Cities International (SCI) with current Friendship Cities or Sister Cities with Japan are eligible to apply.
- Applications must be submitted by an U.S.-based entity with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. SCI members that are not 501(c)(3) organizations (i.e., in a city department, volunteer organization, etc.) can apply via a fiscal sponsor. Proof of tax-exempt or nonprofit status must be provided with the application.
- Proposals must involve at least one U.S. and one Japanese sister city partner community and demonstrate clear benefits for both.
- Grants may be used to expand existing programs or design new initiatives within a sister city partnership.
- SCI may publicly discuss proposals with external experts to assist its evaluation.
Awards
- Two or more grants of up to $25,000 may be awarded.
- Overhead expenses are limited to 10% of the total project budget.
Intended Outcomes
- Proof of concept, initial results, and/or clear action plan for both U.S. and Japanese communities
- Blueprint for further action that can be replicated in other communities
- Presentation of findings and an impact report upon project completion
Application
- The proposal must be written in English.
- The application (PDF), budget (Excel), and proof of tax-exempt or nonprofit status must submitted in one email to Grants@SisterCities.org.
- Email title must follow the following format: “[Enter U.S. City] – [Enter Japanese City] Global Impact Grant Application”
Suggested Framework
Project Title
Project Summary (one paragraph)
- Explain the who, what, where, when, how, and why of the project.
Project Narrative (1,500 words or less)
- What problem(s) are you addressing?
- How will the project specifically be carried out?
- How does this project relate to both Japan and the U.S.?
- How will the project advance US-Japan relations?
- Explain why the project is needed and timely (what is the gap that exists and how your project attempts to fill it), review similar work, and highlight what sets your effort apart.
Theory of Change
- What is your theory of change?
- What specific social impact do you seek?
- How do you expect your project to lead to your desired impact?
Long-term Impact
- The grant is intended to enable scoping research to foster something bigger, rather than only supporting a self-contained project. What bigger project do you envision if your scoping research is successful? What ambitious initiative are you aiming to launch and how do you make it sustainable?
Qualifications
- What are your qualifications to carry out this project? We favor not just good ideas, but projects where applicants can demonstrate credible potential to accomplish goals.
Itemized Budget (see example below)
History with SCI
- Tell us about your relationship with SCI and with your partner friendship or sister city.
Tax Exempt Status Documentation
Optional Appendix Items
Resumes of key personnel, letters of support, annual reports to provide context, etc.
Suggested Budget Format (in USD)
| Items | Amt. Requested | Amt. from Others | Total |
| Project Director | $5,000 | $5,000 | |
| Travel | $4,500 | $5,500 | $10,000 |
| Lodging and Meals | $4,500 | $4,500 | $9,000 |
| Program Activities | $7,000 | $2,000 | $9,000 |
| Subtotal | $21,000 | $12,000 | $33,000 |
| Overhead (10%) | $1,800 | $1,800 | |
| Total | $22,800 | $12,000 | $34,800 |
Scoring Rubric
Project Relevance – 20%
Long-term impact – 20%
Sustainability – 15%
Replicability – 15%
Dual partnership and dual impact for both communities – 15%
Qualifications – your expertise to carry this out – 10%
History of Engagement with Sister Cities International – 5%
Contact Information
Questions and completed applications can be submitted to Grants@SisterCities.org. Check www.SisterCities.org for announcements, upcoming info. sessions, and updates.
Sister Cities International is the world’s oldest and largest volunteer network focused on citizen diplomacy. Founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it fosters global partnerships between U.S. cities, counties, and states with communities worldwide. SCI’s mission is to promote peace and mutual understanding through cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. It serves as the national membership organization for individual sister city programs in the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in 400+ member communities with over 1,800 partnerships in more than 140 countries worldwide.