The Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa, on behalf of the Government of Japan through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, invites applications for the Grant Assistance for Grass‑roots Human Security Projects (GGP) 2026. The programme supports small‑scale development projects that make a direct and immediate improvement to the lives of disadvantaged communities.
Objective
The GGP programme was introduced in 1989 and aims to assist registered non‑profit organisations by funding projects that directly improve access to basic human needs, such as education, health, water and sanitation, welfare, agriculture, and other infrastructure or services that benefit vulnerable populations at the community level.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Registered non‑profit organisations (NPOs), including non‑governmental organisations, community‑based organisations, primary and secondary schools, hospitals or clinics, and local governments.
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Must attach a copy of valid registration certificate.
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Individuals, private companies, and profit‑oriented entities are not eligible.
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Only one application per organisation will be considered.
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Applicant organisations must have at least three years of experience in the sector related to the proposed project and be financially, administratively, and managerially sound.
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Projects must take place in South Africa, Lesotho, or Eswatini.
What Projects Are Supported
GGP targets projects that improve Basic Human Needs (BHN) for disadvantaged and vulnerable people or groups. Priority sectors include, but are not limited to:
Education
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Construction, renovation, or extension of classrooms, libraries, workshops, toilets, or student facilities
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Provision of classroom furniture or water supply systems for school environments
Health
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Construction or refurbishment of clinics, health facilities
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Provision of medical equipment (excluding consumables) such as mobile clinics or ambulances
General/Other Areas
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Agriculture, irrigation systems, farmer training centres
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Social welfare facilities (e.g., drop‑in centres, hospices)
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Water systems, small bridges, mobile libraries or other community infrastructure
Projects must primarily support tangible outputs, with related capacity building or technical guidance considered only if directly tied to physical project elements. Projects that are purely research, pilot, commercial, cultural/sports events, or focused on operational costs are not eligible.
Funding & Financial Information
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The approximate maximum available funding per project is ZAR 2,000,000 (based on a maximum of 20 million Japanese Yen), subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
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Value‑Added Tax (VAT) is not covered by the grant and must be financed by the applicant organisation.
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Applicants must provide three quotes for each item requested in the budget and justify costs based on local market prices.
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Import‑related taxes may be exempted or reimbursed, but the applicant organisation is responsible for necessary procedures.
Application Process & Requirements
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Application forms are available in three categories: Education, Health, and General. Choose the form that best fits your proposed project.
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Applications must include audited financial reports for the last three years.
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Projects must be completed within one year from the date of the grant contract.
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Applicants will be required to submit interim and final narrative and financial reports, including an external audit report upon project completion.
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Japan’s visibility must be maintained through PR activities such as handover ceremonies and visibility signage.
Click here for guidelines.
Deadline & Submission
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Deadline for applications: Friday, 6 March 2026.
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Applications must be delivered by hand, courier, or registered mail; email or fax submissions will not be accepted.
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Application forms can be downloaded from the Embassy website or obtained directly from the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria.
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Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
For more information, click here.
The Japanese GGP 2026 provides grant funding to registered non‑profits in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini for community‑level projects that address basic human security needs. Eligible sectors include education, health, water infrastructure, social welfare, agriculture, and related areas that benefit disadvantaged populations. Grants can reach up to approximately ZAR 2,000,000 per project, with clear requirements on budgeting, reporting, and project completion within one year. Applications must be submitted physically by 6 March 2026.
For more opportunities, click here.
