U.S. Embassy Microgrant Initiative for Current JETs Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 日本語

Eligibility and Guidelines

Q. Who may apply?

A. U.S. citizens who are currently participating in the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program.

Q. Can I apply with another person?

A. Yes, you may apply with as many co-applicants as the project requires as long as the main applicant is a JET who is a U.S. citizen. Co-applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens or JETs. Past co-applicants have included JETs from other countries, JTEs, family members, and community members.

Q. What are some projects that have been done in the past?

A. Please check out the links below to see a list of past microgrant projects.

Q. Can a project have multiple events or activities?

A. Yes, please provide information on all the events/activities in your application.

Q. Is there a way to talk to past grantees?

A. Yes, please join the Facebook group here to connect with past grantees of the program.

Q. Is there a resource in Japanese that I can use to explain the grant to my contracting organization/school?

A. Yes, please find these resources here.

Q. How will my application be evaluated?

A. The mission, impact, and feasibility of your project will be evaluated to see how well the project promotes English language education, encourages future travel and study in the United States, and/or introduces American culture to communities and schools within Japan

Q. Does my placement in Japan factor into the evaluation of my application?

A. No, we will equally consider applications from all current American JETs regardless of location or position held within Japan. JETs located in the same area of Japan may apply and receive the grant based on the strength of their individual application. We strongly encourage JETs located in Aichi, Akita, Chiba, Hiroshima, Iwate, Kagawa, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Niigata Okinawa, Tochigi, Tottori, Toyama, Yamagata, and Yamaguchi prefecture to apply to the grant as we have not yet received any applications from these prefectures.

Funding

Q. How much funding should I ask for to complete my project?

A. Grant awards typically range between $200-$1,000. It is recommended that applicants itemize a realistic budget based on the needs of the project as described in their project narrative. Please note that projects whose only activity is to buy English books will be granted no more than $500 (and may receive less based on the proposed scope and impact). Awarded funding amounts may be adjusted by USJETAA based on cost of similar past projects. USJETAA is happy to provide budget recommendations based on past projects similar to yours.

Q. Can I use funds for a project or activity that is already planned?

A. Yes, you may use funds for an activity or event that has already been planned as long as it aligns with the mission of the grant and the grant approval is received before the event or activity begins. Grant funds cannot be applied to events that occur prior to January 10, 2023 or after the end of the grant period, February 28, 2024.

Q. When will I receive funding?

A. All grantees for the 2022 Microgrant Initiative year should receive funding by February, 10 2023. USJETAA will prioritize those projects that are happening first for funding disbursal, so please let us know in the application when you need to receive the funds in order to begin the project.

Q. Can I request more funding after submitting my application?

A. Yes, grant awardees are able to request more funding at any time during the program duration. Please contact USJETAA with your request, rationale for needing more funds, and the proposed additional amount. Not all funding request will be granted, as extra funds may not be available.