GRANT AID FOR CULTURAL GRASSROOTS PROJECTS(GACGP)

if you have ideas for cultural grassroots projects in Kenya then it will interest you to know that the Japan Information and Culture Centre is now accepting applications for Grant Aid for Cultural Grassroots Projects (GACGP).

As a means to ensure better response to a variety of increasing needs at the grassroots level in the fields of culture and higher education in developing countries, the Government of Japan introduced a scheme called the Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects in 2000. It is intended to assist the projects of local governments, private higher educational institutions or research institutions and NGOs to cover the cost for procurement of equipment, construction and improvement of facilities, or the subsidy for transportation costs (e.g. incurred in transport of pre-owned judo uniforms, etc). In principle, approximately up to US$100,000 is extended per project.

Some examples of eligible projects for the procurement of equipment are as follows:

(1) Japanese language learning/educating materials or equipment such as language laboratory

(2) Equipment in Japanese national sports or martial arts or Japanese pop culture

(3) Television programs software

(4) Musical instruments

(5) Lighting and acoustic equipment

(6) Audio visual equipment

(7) Broadcasting equipment

(8) Equipment for the preservation of cultural relics

Some examples of eligible projects for the construction and improvement of facilities are as follows:

• Japanese language library at university
• Museum, museum of fine arts
• Facilities of popular or traditional sports in Kenya
• Theater, concert hall

On the contrary, the following items are ineligible :

• Office equipments such as photocopier, fax machine
• Stationery
• Furniture
• Vehicles
• Accessories such as air-condition, ceiling lights, burglar system

In addition, the following projects are ineligible:

• Projects that are currently receiving aid through other grant schemes
• Projects that do not directly benefit the grassroots level and are not directly related to cultural activities
• Projects requesting operating expenses such as:
  • Staff salary
  • Electricity and water consumption
  • Rent for homes or office
  • Fuel and/or gas for vehicles
  • Consumables (supplies, etc.)
  • Land purchase
  • Animal dispersal

Application Process:

Any organization wishing to apply should contact the Embassy of Japan in Kenya for further details or download the application form here:

Contact Information:

Japan Information and Culture Centre,
Embassy of Japan

Mara Road, Upper hill

P.O. Box60202-00200

Tel 2898000, 2898515

Fax 051-2898531

Website: http://www.ke.emb-japan.go.jp

E-mail   : jinfocul@eojkenya.org