Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects "Kusanone"

The "Kusanone" program is offered by the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to meet the needs of developing countries. The goal is to support human health and security, as well as the development of local communities through the implementation of non-reimbursable projects. Assistance is focused on the supply of equipment and reconstruction of premises in the fields of medicine, education, agriculture, and support for vulnerable groups.

Non-profit organizations:

• local and international NGOs;
• public hospitals;
• schools;
• kindergartens;
• social assistance centers;
• rehabilitation facilities;
• local authorities.

Preference is given to important and long-term projects.

The budget for a single project is up to 10,000,000 YEN (approximately 72,000 USD).

This amount can only be used to cover the cost of equipment or work related to the project (excluding VAT) and to audit the project. Any other expenses related to the implementation of the project (VAT, bank fees, related expenses, etc.) must be paid by the recipient or partner organization.

It is not permitted to exceed the budget or create a deficit in the project budget. It is also not permitted to split the project into several projects and applications if its cost exceeds the budget of a single Kusano Program project.

If your project budget exceeds the maximum possible amount of assistance, you need to review the content of the project, as applications that exceed the budget are eliminated from the competition and are not considered.

The applicant should note that the following budget items cannot be financed from grant funds: salaries, travel and daily expenses, other administrative and current expenses of the recipient organization. In addition, the recipient undertakes to pay the bank commission for currency conversion.

The “Kusanone” Programme provides support to projects related to basic needs of life, human health and safety, as well as to projects aimed at promoting economic employment opportunities for vulnerable groups of the population.

Programme funds may be used only for capital expenditures, the effectiveness of which is subject to monitoring for at least 5 years from the date of project completion.

These are so-called “hard components”: equipment (medical, production, etc.), special-purpose vehicles, and construction/renovation works.

Expenditures for “soft components” (e.g., trainings, courses, manuals or educational materials related to the use or technical support of the procured equipment) may be considered only if they complement the main objective of the project (e.g., procurement of equipment or renovation works) and if the effective implementation of the project is not possible without them.

Within the “Kusanone” Programme, salaries of project coordinators, accountants and other hired staff, as well as representatives of the partner organization, are not financed.

If the project objective is renovation works, the preparation of design and cost estimate documentation is also not financed by the Programme (in addition, the design documentation must be available at the time of application submission).

It is important to clearly describe in the application the problem and how the project implementation will contribute to addressing it, indicate the number of people who will directly benefit from the project (the number of beneficiaries), and explain why you are applying specifically to the “Kusanone” Programme.

The completed application form in Ukrainian and supporting documents must be sent to kusanone@kv.mofa.go.jp or by mail to: Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, 04053, Kyiv, 34-B Velyka Zhytomyrska St.

• Project goal and compliance with the basic needs principle.
• Socio-economic impact.
• Capacity of the applicant organization to implement and manage the project.
• Sustainability of results.

• Completed application form.
• Quotations from three different suppliers for equipment.
• Quotations from three different audit firms.
• Documents proving the capacity to cover related costs

Priority areas and grant amounts are periodically reviewed according to the current situation and exchange rates

In general, projects in all areas aimed at ensuring the development of local communities and meeting basic human needs are eligible for funding under the program. However, the following areas are prioritized:

• medical care and rehabilitation (including psychological assistance, assistance to the wounded, rehabilitation of veterans);
• primary and basic secondary education;
• socio-economic support for vulnerable groups (including IDPs);
• agricultural development.

Not all projects in the above areas can be implemented under the Kusano program, as the program is primarily focused on the supply of equipment and/or renovation of premises.

Reporting requirements:

• Interim report during implementation (upon request).
• Final report, financial report, and documentary evidence of the use of funds.
• Project audit.
• Monitoring of effectiveness for 5 years after completion.

Funds must be used exclusively within the project. The Embassy may demand a refund in case of misuse. The Grant Agreement clearly defines the list of works and equipment.