(1) Period of Application
Applications will be accepted throughout the year.
(2) Application and Screening Procedures
Application and screening procedures consist of the following two stages:
a. Preliminary Application (Concept Paper)
Applicants must submit a concept paper (prescribed form downloadable as Word file) at least four months prior to the project’s implementation (exceptions may be considered in unavoidable circumstances; please contact the Sylff Association for details). Applicants should indicate the issue they wish to address, the project’s goals, the approaches to be taken, and anticipated social impact.
The concept paper will be reviewed by the Sylff Association secretariat; successful applications will proceed to the formal application stage.
b. Formal Application
Applicants whose concept papers have been approved are invited to submit a formal application consisting of the following:
- Application form (prescribed form downloadable as Word file)
- Detailed proposal
The detailed proposal should address the following:
-Issue: What is the key issue you wish to address and why are you addressing it?
-Activities and approaches: What do you hope to do and how will you do it?
-Objectives and goals: What are your objectives and goals?
-Initiative: How you are proposing, organizing, and leading the project?
-Relevance and significance: Why is the project relevant and significant? For whom?
-Feasibility: Provide arguments for the feasibility of the proposed project.
-Number: Indicate the number of project participants and their respective roles.
-Expected outcomes: Outline expected outcomes in both short and mid-long terms.
-Others: Describe other aspects to help reviewers judge the proposed project.
- Budget (sample downloadable as Excel file)
- Schedule
- Bios
Submit a brief biographical sketch (within 120 words) for each applicant and other project members, including their background, current position or occupation, academic or professional interests, and role in the proposed project.
- References
Two letters of recommendation should be submitted. They should be written by those who endorse the project and are familiar with your academic achievements and/or social engagement activities.
The Sylff Association secretariat will screen applicants for eligibility, feasibility of the proposed initiative, level of the fellow’s personal engagement, relevance to tangible social issues, and potential for real-world impact. Interviews with the applicant and/or referees on the phone, in person, or through other formats may also be arranged. The secretariat will thereupon make a final decision on the award.
(3) Notification
Applicants will be notified of the results so as to provide sufficient lead time for the implementation of the project.
(4) Award Disbursement
- The award will be disbursed directly to successful applicants. An Agreement will be signed between the applicant and the Tokyo Foundation. In principle, the full amount will be paid in one installment before the project is implemented.
- A project report, including a narrative description of the results and a financial report, shall be submitted by all applicants. The financial report must be accompanied by receipts. Should actual expenditures turn out to be significantly less than the amount disbursed, the Foundation will request a refund of the unexpended funds.
