The Embassy of Japan in South Africa has launched the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme to assist Non-Profit Organisations (NPO’s) and local authorities by supporting relatively small development projects which have a direct and immediate impact on the well-being of disadvantaged communities at the grass-roots level.

The GGP targets areas that aim to improve Basic Human Needs (BHN) such as projects that are highly beneficial to disadvantaged and/or vulnerable people or groups.

The following areas are NOT financed by the GGP:

• Projects that have uncertain benefits for grassroots activities such as assistance for research by advanced academic institutions and capacity building of the recipient organization.
• Projects limited to commercial activities and creation of employment of particular individuals and organizations, and which have uncertain direct benefits for grass-roots activities.
• Culture, art, and sport projects that are less related to economic and social development.
• Projects with a political or missionary purpose, or the intention of military use.
• Consumables, small fixtures, running and maintenance costs of facilities, and equipment are not financed in principle even if the project is eligible for the GGP.

The Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa covers the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Kingdom of Eswatini, and deals with applications from these three countries. The site of the proposed project must be located in among the three.

Funding Information

An approximated maximum amount of ZAR 1,100,000.00 is available for funding (NONE of which can be used to cover any VAT for an approved project).

Eligibility Criteria

• Registered NPOs may apply and a copy of the NPO registration certificate must be attached the application form. NPOs here include non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, education institutions, medical institutions and local governments.
• Individuals or private companies are not eligible to apply.
• Only one (1) application will be considered per organisation.
• The applicant organisation must have at least 3 (three) years’ experience in the sector of the proposed project. The applicant organisation is required to have established sound, sustainable and stable foundations in terms of finance, personnel, project management etc. Therefore, the Embassy cannot fund newly established organisations, pilot projects, initial start-up costs etc.

For more information, visit Embassy of Japan.