STUDENT TRAVEL FUND
⚠ Due to the ongoing public health emergency, JICUF is temporarily suspending the JICUF Grants Initiative. JICUF will resume its grantmaking activities in September 2021, if conditions permit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Program Manager Fernando Rojas at frojas@jicuf.org. We apologize for any inconvenience.
As part of our commitment to strengthening the capacity of ICU’s outstanding student body, the Japan ICU Foundation is pleased to provide support to ICU students through the Student Travel Fund.
The Student Travel Fund supports student projects that involve travel both inside and outside of Japan. Projects must be either research or service oriented. Research projects must relate to a student’s academic major or minor. Service oriented projects must include a volunteer component.
We look forward to receiving your inquiry! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
SAMPLE APPLICATION FORMS
Below are samples of the inquiry form, the proposal form and the budget form. These sample forms are intended to serve as a guide.
To apply for funding, please click the “Apply Here” button above and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions, email JICUF Program Manager Fernando Rojas at frojas@jicuf.org.
The Purpose of the Student Travel Fund
The Student Travel Fund offers financial support for student-initiated projects that involve travel inside or outside of Japan. Through this program, students are encouraged to create innovative projects that align with ICU’s three commitments. Preference is given to original initiatives conceived, designed, and implemented by students.
Through the process of applying for and implementing a Student Travel Fund project, ICU students will develop vital real-world competencies. Specifically, students will gain project management, communications and research experience. Students will be challenged to be creative and utilize critical thinking skills as they overcome challenges.
Eligibility and Guidelines
Applicants must be enrolled degree-seeking ICU students in either the College of Liberal Arts or Graduate School at the time of application and throughout the duration of the grant activity. Individual students, groups of students, and student clubs and circles are eligible to apply. Each application, however, must be submitted by a primary applicant who will also serve as the liaison between the group and JICUF.
Students enrolled in the following programs are not eligible to apply for the Student Travel Fund:
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Rotary Peace Center MA Program in Peace and Conflict Resolution
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Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)
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One-year regular students (OYRs)
We encourage partnerships both within and outside of ICU. Although the primary grant applicant must be an ICU student, it is possible to partner with an external person or organization. Examples include partnering with a student from another university on a research project or partnering with an NPO on a service project. The Student Travel Fund does not support participation in pre-existing programs offered by ICU or a third-party. Projects must be designed and implemented by the individual or group applicant(s).
Project Scope
All projects must relate to one or more of ICU’s three commitments.
Academic – Projects under this theme have either a research or teaching component, or deal with issues relevant to the ICU community.
Christian – Projects under this theme contemplate, examine, enact, and/or express Christian values. Examples include volunteer activities, faith-based activities and projects that focus on the marginalized.
International – Projects involving international travel, explicitly focusing on international issues or including participation from collaborators abroad.
Application Process & Timeline
The application process consists of three steps:
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Submit an Inquiry Form
You are able to submit an inquiry form at any time. The inquiry form is designed to give JICUF a general idea of your project. The form is available online year-round and can be written in either Japanese or English.When we receive an inquiry form, JICUF reviews it to ensure proper fit with our eligibility criteria. If your inquiry is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal. Be advised that an invitation to submit a full proposal does not guarantee funding for your project.
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Submit a Full Proposal
If your inquiry form is approved, you will receive instructions on submitting a full proposal. The proposal requires you to describe your project in detail and also requires submission of a budget. You must list the expected revenue and expenses related to your project. Proposals must be submitted in English, although there is an option to submit supplementary materials in Japanese. -
Review & Approval
Proposals are reviewed both by JICUF staff and by an independent grants committee. During the review process, JICUF may suggest changes to project budgets. Final award decisions are made by the grants committee. Once a project is approved and the project budget is finalized, JICUF will send an award packet.
There are three application periods each year, corresponding to each academic term. Below are the dates for Winter 2019, Spring 2020, and Fall 2020 terms.
Grant Amount & Restrictions
JICUF is open to receiving grant inquiries of all sizes. Grants must be requested in Japanese Yen. The budget proposal is subject to scrutiny and the award amount will be finalized in negotiation with JICUF.
JICUF will only cover expenses related to travel (airfare and local transportation) accommodations, and expenses necessary for the implementation of the project excluding the following expenses:
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Purchase of Computers or other electronic devices (rentals are ok pending actual necessity to the project)
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Thank-you money/tokens of appreciation for collaborators
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Business or first-class airfare
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Meals
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Conference/program attendance fees
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Expenses unrelated to the grant
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Tax Implications
Recipients of the Student Travel Fund are responsible for determining the taxability of their grant and paying the necessary taxes on the amount received. JICUF is not able to provide counsel on individual tax matters and recommends that you speak with your local tax office.
Final Report
Students will have up to one year from the award date to complete their grant activity. A final grant report must be submitted to JICUF no later than 60 days after the grant activity is completed. The Final Report must consist of a narrative report and financial report. Instructions will be shared in the award packet.
