Small Grants Program for Leading English Discussion Groups in Sapporo, Japan | PAS SAPPORO FY21 0002

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS SAPPORO FY21 0002

The Small Grants Program for Leading English Discussion Groups in Sapporo, Japan is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run by the U.S. Mission to Japan through the U.S. Consulate General Sapporo. It supports small, public-facing English education activities that also highlight American culture and encourage interest in future travel, tourism, or study in the United States. The core idea is to fund a series of discussion-based or culturally themed English programs hosted through the Consulate's Public Affairs Section (PAS) in the Maruyama area of Sapporo, Hokkaido, with a clear emphasis on community engagement and outreach beyond the usual audiences.

Grants are expected to be modest in size, with awards generally ranging from USD 500 to USD 2,000, and the Consulate anticipated making about five awards under this notice, depending on the availability of funds. The funding instrument is a discretionary grant, and the activity area is aligned with arts and cultural affairs (CFDA 19.040). While the program is designed around English discussion group leadership, it is flexible about format as long as the programming meaningfully advances English learning and integrates American cultural content.

Applicants may propose a variety of event models. Examples specifically mentioned include American film screenings paired with discussion, book club-style conversation groups, guest speaker sessions, and musical or other cultural programs. The announcement also leaves room for alternative concepts if the applicant can show they fit the goals of English language promotion and U.S. cultural engagement. To strengthen the English-language component, proposals are expected to involve at least one native-level American English speaker serving as a leader or facilitator. That speaker does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but they should be capable of guiding discussion at a native or near-native level.

Programming can be scheduled monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, beginning on or after October 15, 2020, and must run for at least six months, with an upper limit of two years. Sessions may be conducted online, but the Consulate states a preference for in-person gatherings held at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General Sapporo. Regardless of format, sessions must be open to the public. The funding cannot be used for commercial, trade, or charitable activities, and for-profit organizations are not eligible to receive funding through these awards. If selected, the grantee is expected to coordinate the final schedule and logistics with PAS Sapporo.

Eligibility is broad and includes individuals as well as a range of organizations and governmental entities, such as state, county, and city or township governments, independent school districts, U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), and private institutions of higher education. Applicants are expected to submit a clear program design and also demonstrate how they will attract participants, especially new or previously unengaged audiences in the region.

A complete application is expected to include three practical elements: a proposed activity plan (what will be done, how often, and what American cultural or educational content will be featured), an audience recruitment plan (how the public will be reached and encouraged to attend), and a line-item budget. The budget should reflect realistic program costs tied directly to delivery, such as honoraria for facilitators or guest speakers, transportation for organizers and speakers, materials needed to run sessions, and copying or publicity costs to promote events. Proposals are evaluated based on how effectively they are likely to promote English language learning, deepen understanding of U.S. culture, and stimulate interest in U.S. study abroad or travel, with added attention paid to plans that broaden participation and bring in new audiences.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number PAS SAPPORO FY21 0002, a posting/creation date of May 26, 2020, and an original application deadline of July 9, 2020. The notice is described as an annual announcement of priorities and procedures and may be supplemented by additional, more specific funding notices released throughout the year, so applicants are expected to follow instructions carefully and track related postings when planning submissions.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Japan in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Small Grants Program for Leading English Discussion Groups in Sapporo, Japan" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 26, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 09, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Independent school districts, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for PAS SAPPORO FY21 0002

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