NGOGrant guide
Japan Fund for Global Environment FY2027 Grants for Indian NGOs
JFGE grants page and FY2027 Guide last verified 22 Oct 2026
Short answer: Indian non-profits doing environmental conservation, with at least one year of experience in the field, can apply to the Japan Fund for Global Environment (JFGE), run by Japan’s ERCA. Regular Grants are ¥500,000–2,000,000 (Basic, 1 year) or ¥2,000,000–8,000,000 a year (Development, up to 3 years). You must apply through a Japan-based Agent, who submits in Japanese. Requests close on 16 Nov 2026, 9:30 AM IST (1:00 PM Japan time).
This is a competitive grant. Applying does not guarantee funding.
Practical answers
Who should apply
- Non-profits in any Indian State or UT carrying out environmental conservation; India is on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Organisations with at least one year of experience in the grant field and a track record in the target region.
- NGOs that already work with a suitable Japan-based Agent (“Category B” projects).
Who should skip it
- NGOs without a Japan-based Agent: there is no other route for non-Japanese NGOs.
- Activities funded by other Japanese government sources, such as JICA Grassroots Technical Cooperation.
- Projects that pass grants on to other organisations, or that are carried out as a government policy measure.
- Activities for a specific business, for political or religious propaganda, or where funds are to be recovered through loans or investments.
Documents to prepare
- ☐ A Japan-based Agent: a Japanese national or permanent resident of Japan with a yen bank account in Japan, or a corporation with its principal office in Japan, who knows your conservation work and can communicate with you.
- ☐ Project details for the Agent to put on JFGE’s official forms in Japanese.
- ☐ Any permits your activity needs in India (JFGE will not pay if a required permit was not obtained).
- ☐ A simple system for receipts, as payment is a reimbursement (see our grant utilisation and reporting guide).
What happens next
- Conditional approval is notified in late March 2027, followed by an individual meeting in April and application forms in May.
- Grant approval follows in May–June 2027.
- Payment is on a reimbursement basis against receipts, three times a year, through your Agent.
- A report on achievements is due in April of the following year; an NGO project report format helps you give your Agent the facts.
At a glance
| Item | What the official source says |
|---|---|
| Funder | Japan Fund for Global Environment, ERCA |
| Regular Grant (Basic) | 1 year; ¥500,000–2,000,000 |
| Regular Grant (Development) | Up to 3 years; ¥2,000,000–8,000,000 a year |
| Grant year | 1 Apr 2027 to 31 Mar 2028 |
| Language | Applications and reports prepared in Japanese by the Agent |
| Deadline | 16 Nov 2026, 9:30 AM IST (1:00 PM JST) |
How to apply, step by step
- Agree the project and budget with your Agent; the NGO project budget guide helps you set out costs.
- Read the FY2027 Guide with your Agent.
- The Agent prepares the request on JFGE’s forms in Japanese and submits it before 16 Nov 2026, 9:30 AM IST.
- Keep required Indian permits ready before work starts.
Common mistakes
- Looking for an Agent after the call opens: the Agent must already have a track record with your work.
- Starting work without the permits it needs in India.
- Planning cash flow as if money comes in advance: JFGE reimburses against receipts.
- Combining JFGE money with other Japanese government funding for the same activity.
FCRA: check before you apply
Foreign grant: Indian NGOs normally need FCRA registration or prior permission (FCRA 2010) to receive these funds. General information only, not legal advice.
If your NGO has neither, see our FCRA registration and prior permission service before you commit to a project timeline.
FAQs
Can an Indian NGO apply directly?
No. Non-Japanese NGOs must appoint a Japan-based Agent, who makes requests and applications for them.
Does the Agent have to live in Japan?
No. An individual Agent must be a Japanese national or permanent resident with a yen bank account in Japan; living in Japan is not required. A corporation must have its principal office in Japan.
Is the grant paid in advance?
No. It is paid on a reimbursement basis, against receipts, three times a year.
What is the deadline in Indian time?
16 Nov 2026, 9:30 AM IST, which is 1:00 PM in Japan.
Who can be a first-time applicant?
Organisations with at least one year of experience in the field related to the grant activities can apply for a Regular Grant.
Official sources (last verified 22 Oct 2026)
- JFGE grants page: https://www.erca.go.jp/jfge/english/wwd/grants.html
- Guide to JFGE Grant Request FY2027 (PDF): https://www.erca.go.jp/jfge/english/pdf/2027_Guide_to_the_JFGE_Grant_Program_Request_Forms.pdf
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