The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), with support from the U.S. Japan Foundation, seeks individuals or organizations to develop a curriculum to support the study of civil society law at Japanese universities and/or schools of law. This educational initiative will provide one grant to support the integration of a non-profit law, civil society, or civic freedoms course into the curricula of eligible universities and educational institutions. The proposed grant period is from June 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2025. The ceiling for this grant is $20,000 USD.

Overview

ICNL aims to provide a grant for the purpose of developing a non-profit law, civil society, or civic freedoms curriculum at a university in Japan. While some such modules are likely in existence, ICNL seeks to support additional knowledge-building around relevant international standards on non-profit regulation and civil society law. Such curriculum design would ideally expand knowledge among students, academics, future legislators, and individuals seeking to work in the non-profit space, including around appropriate regulatory mechanisms to facilitate the work of civil society.

The civil society curriculum should be publicized within the university and incorporated into actual course programming (whether as a stand-alone course or as an integral part of a pre-existing course), ideally within one year or sooner from completion of the curriculum development. This will help ensure that the curriculum is sustainable beyond the grant period, and that civic freedoms continue to be taught after the grant finishes. 

Activities

The types of activities that ICNL can support include (but are not limited to):

• The design of a course, module or full curriculum relating to non-profit law, civil society, or civic freedoms, including the plan for integration of this into the university structure;
• The preparation of a course syllabus or syllabi;
• The preparation of course materials (incl. lesson plans, lectures, discussion questions, activities, etc.);
• The translation of sample syllabi and/or course materials;
• Training for academics/professors on civil society law.

Content of Proposal

Interested applicants should submit a proposal, of no more than 4 pages in Japanese or English, addressing the following topics:              

• Describe the proposed activities, methodology, and timeline, including interim benchmarks, recognizing that activities must be completed no later than October 31, 2025.
• Describe applicant’s experience around non-profit and civil society issues, as well as curriculum development.
• If more than one person will be involved in this project, describe who will undertake different aspects of the project. ICNL reserves the right to approve or reject the use of any personnel.
• The cost proposal/line-item budget for this grant. The pricing for the cost proposal must be in USD and fully itemized. For personnel costs, please list each person to be involved in this project, the proposed day rate(s) and number of days. All other costs, if any, should be listed and explained. The proposed price should be inclusive of all taxes. ICNL expects to issue one Firm Fixed Price contract.

Eligibility Criteria

This grant is open to any law professors, academics, and/or institutions located in Japan.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements and application procedures;
• Demonstrated commitment of applicant to promoting the study of civil society law;
• Likelihood that the proposed project will advance the study of civil society law in Japan;
• Sustainability of the proposed project beyond the grant period;
• Proposed budget and apparent value for money; and
• Inclusion of reasonable indicators to measure project success.

How to Apply

To apply for this grant, applicants must submit the following items by May 10, 2025:

• Proposal of not more than four pages, including line-item budget;
• Resume or curriculum vitae (cv) for individuals undertaking the research and writing the report; and any additional background information (e.g., website links, informational materials) as desired.

Applications should be sent to asia@icnl.org, with reference to “Japan Education Initiative” in the subject line. Application materials may be submitted in Japanese or English (with the caveat that while materials and curriculum can be in Japanese, grant management and communication with ICNL will be conducted in English). Questions related to this consultancy can be emailed to asia@icnl.org. Please note that ICNL is under no obligation to issue a grant and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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国際非営利法センター（ICNL）は、米日財団の支援を受けて、日本の大学や法科大学院において市民社会法を学ぶためのカリキュラムの開発を担う個人または団体を募集します。本教育イニシアティブでは、非営利法、市民社会、市民的自由に関する科目を、適格な大学・教育機関のカリキュラムに組み込むことを目的として、1件の助成を提供します。助成期間は2025年6月1日から2025年10月31日までを予定しており、応募は2025年5月10日まで随時受け付けます。助成金の上限は20,000米ドルです。

概要

ICNLは、日本国内の大学における、非営利法、市民社会、市民的自由に関するカリキュラムの新たな開発の助成を目的としています。こうした分野に関する授業はすでに存在する場合もありますが、ICNLは、非営利規制や市民社会法に関する国際基準に基づいた理解をさらに広げることを目指しています。このカリキュラム開発は、学生、研究者、将来の立法者、そして非営利分野での活動を志す人々に対して、市民社会の活動を促進するための適切な規制メカニズムに関する知見を広めることが期待されています。

作成されたカリキュラムは、学内で周知され、（単独の科目あるいは既存の授業の一部として）実際の授業として、可能であればカリキュラム完成後1年以内もしくはそれ以前に導入される予定です。これにより、助成期間終了後も継続してカリキュラムが活用され、市民的自由に関する教育が継続されることが期待されます。

活動例

ICNLは、一例として以下のような活動を支援の対象とします。

• 非営利法、市民社会、市民的自由に関する授業・モジュール・カリキュラムの設計（大学カリキュラムへの統合計画を含む）
• 1科目または複数のシラバスの作成
• 授業資料の作成（授業計画、講義内容、ディスカッション用の質問、アクティビティ等）
• シラバスや授業資料の翻訳
• 市民社会法に関する教員向けの研修

提案書の内容

関心のある応募者は、以下の内容を含む4ページ以内の提案書をご提出ください。

• 2025年10月31日までに全て完了する実施予定の活動内容、方法論、中間マイルストーンを含むタイムライン
• 応募者の非営利および市民社会分野の経験、およびカリキュラム開発に関する経験
• 複数名で取り組む場合は、担当者の役割分担（ICNLは関与人員の承認権を留保します）
• 項目別の費用見積（米ドル建て）。人件費については、プロジェクトに関与する各人員をリストアップの上、日当および作業日数を明記し、その他費用がある場合は全て記載し、詳細に説明してください。税金を含めた総額でご提出ください。ICNLは、固定価格（Firm Fixed Price）契約を1件締結する予定です。

応募資格

本助成は、日本に所在する法学教員、研究者、または教育機関を対象としています。

選考基準

応募書類は、以下の観点から評価されます。

• 応募資格および提出手続きへの適合性
• 市民社会法の教育促進に対する応募者の取り組み姿勢
• 本プロジェクトが日本における市民社会法の学習促進に貢献する可能性
• 助成期間終了後もプロジェクトが持続可能である見込み
• 提案された予算と費用対効果のバランス
• 成果を測定するための妥当な指標の有無

応募方法

本助成に応募するには、以下の書類を2025年5月10日までに提出してください。

• 4ページ以内、項目別予算含む提案書
• 調査・レポート執筆担当者の履歴書もしくは職務経歴書、及び任意で追加関連情報（例：ウェブサイトのリンク、参考資料）

応募書類は、件名を「Japan Education Initiative」とし、asia@icnl.org宛にお送りください。提出書類は日本語または英語で提出可能ですが、助成に関する連絡や契約手続きは英語で行われることをご承知おきください。助成に関するご質問はasia@icnl.orgまでメールでお問い合わせください。なお、ICNLには本助成を交付する義務はなく、選考された方のみにご連絡いたします。

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The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is pleased to invite proposals for a small grant to support local partners in conducting advocacy around freedom of association, particularly in relation to draft legislation on non-profit organizations (NPOs). The total grant amount available is $20,000 USD; ICNL may issue one or two grants for projects meeting the criteria outlined below. The activity funded by each grant must be completed by November 30, 2025.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 11, 2025 or until available funds are depleted.

Background

In October 2024, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior proposed a new draft Act on Associations and Foundations (“draft Act” or “Bill”). The draft Act—purportedly motivated by security concerns related to money laundering/fraud—adopts a highly controlling approach to the non-profit sector and violates numerous aspects of international law. Civil society, and indeed other departments of government, do not appear to have been consulted or involved in the drafting process. The Bill was released for public comment via a portal that accepted feedback through mid-November.

If the Bill follows a similar process as similarly restrictive non-profit organization (NPO) bills introduced in Thailand in 2021-2022, it is likely to go through one or more revisions in the upcoming year. In 2021-2023, ICNL supported a coalition of local, regional, and global organizations to advocate against the bills and protect freedom of association, resulting in those bills being tabled by the government.

ICNL now seeks to support local civil society organizations to coordinate and conduct advocacy activities related to protecting the freedom of association and promoting alternative approaches to restrictive legislation.

We invite proposals from local partners to that end. Applicants may select from a broad range of activities designed to achieve the grant’s objective, including, but not limited to:

• Developing legal analyses, white papers, and policy briefs; and proposing legal and policy recommendations to protect freedom of association;
• Developing new tools, strategies, activities, and alliances to advocate for greater protections of freedom of association;
• Conducting roundtables, seminars, or informational campaigns to formulate civil society strategies and raise awareness on the draft NPO bill.

This list is illustrative, and ICNL strongly encourages applicants with innovative ideas and approaches not described above to apply.

How to Apply

To apply for a grant, applicants must submit the following items in English, no later than April 11, 2025:

• Proposal (see below)
• Line-item budget (no more than $20,000 USD)
• Background information about the applicant organization (e.g., website links, CVs, or informational materials)

Applications should be sent to asia@icnl.org, with reference to “Thai FOA 2025” in the subject line. All application materials should be submitted in English. Questions related to this consultancy can be emailed to asia@icnl.org. Please note that ICNL is under no obligation to issue a consultancy and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Content of Proposal

In three pages or less, please describe your proposal. The proposal should address the following topics:

• Provide an overview of the proposed initiative to protect freedom of association and conduct advocacy around proposed NPO regulation, including specific activities and anticipated outcomes;
• Describe applicant’s experience implementing similar activities proposed in this call;
• Identify other CSOs, government bodies, and other stakeholders that will be engaged in the activities outlined in the application.
• Provide a proposed activity plan with specific goals, anticipated outcomes, and a timeline, recognizing that grant activities must be completed no later than November 30, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to any non-governmental organization based in Thailand.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements and application procedures
• Demonstrated commitment of the applicant to improving civic space
• Quality of proposed project, including the proposed methodology/design, feasibility and impact of the project
• Likelihood that the proposed project will enhance civic space
• Proposed budget and value for money

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The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is pleased to invite proposals for a small grant to support local partners in conducting advocacy around civic freedoms, particularly in relation to draft legislation on assembly, media freedom, and NGOs/association/foundations. The total grant amount available is $25,000 USD; ICNL may issue one or two grants for projects meeting the criteria outlined below. The activity funded by each grant must be completed by November 30, 2025.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 15, 2025 or until available funds are depleted.

Background

In recent months, the Mongolian government has reportedly drafted and/or proposed multiple laws that could impact civil society, including a Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, a Law on Procedures for Demonstrations and Assembly, and a Law on Press Freedom. While the laws contain some enabling elements, various provisions appear problematic based on international law standards. Some local civil society groups have raised additional concerns that the legislative process for new bills impacting civic space has been rushed, without sufficient time for public and civil society consultations.

Given general trends in Mongolia constraining civil society actors, ICNL aims to support one or more local civil society groups in coordinating and conducting advocacy activities related to protecting civic freedoms and promoting enabling laws and policies.

We therefore solicit applications from local partners to that end. Applicants may select from a broad range of activities designed to achieve the grant’s objective, including, but not limited to:

• Developing legal analyses, white papers, and policy briefs; and proposing legal and policy recommendations to protect freedom of association, assembly, and expression;
• Developing new tools, strategies, activities, and alliances to advocate for greater protections of freedom of association, assembly, and expression;
• Conducting roundtables, seminars, or informational campaigns to formulate civil society strategies and raise awareness on draft bills impacting civic space.

This list is illustrative, and ICNL strongly encourages applicants with innovative ideas and approaches not described above to apply.

How to Apply

To apply for a grant, applicants must submit the following items in English, no later than April 15, 2025:

• Proposal (see below)
• Line-item budget (no more than $25,000 USD)
• Background information about the applicant organization (e.g., website links, CVs, or informational materials)

Applications should be sent to asia@icnl.org, with reference to “Mongolia Civic Freedoms 2025” in the subject line. All application materials should be submitted in English. Questions related to this consultancy can be emailed to asia@icnl.org. Please note that ICNL is under no obligation to issue a consultancy and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Content of Proposal

In four pages or less , please describe your proposal. The proposal should address the following topics:

• Provide an overview of the proposed initiative to protect civic freedoms and conduct advocacy around proposed relevant regulations, including specific activities and anticipated outcomes;
• Describe applicant’s experience implementing similar activities proposed in this call;
• Identify other CSOs, government bodies, and other stakeholders that will be engaged in the activities outlined in the application.
• Provide a proposed activity plan with specific goals, anticipated outcomes, and a timeline, recognizing that grant activities must be completed no later than November 30, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to any non-governmental organization based in Mongolia.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements and application procedures
• Demonstrated commitment of the applicant to improving civic space
• Quality of proposed project, including the proposed methodology/design, feasibility and impact of the project
• Likelihood that the proposed project will enhance civic space
• Proposed budget and value for money

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