Organisation Name:
The Keidanren Nature Conservation Council (KNCC)
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2025
About Organisation
The Keidanren Nature Conservation Council (KNCC) was founded in 1992 by Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), coinciding with the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. The council promotes biodiversity conservation across the Asia-Pacific through its flagship initiative—the Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF). Over the years, KNCC has actively supported NGOs and local organizations working on ecosystem restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable resource management. It also engages in raising environmental awareness among Japanese corporations and provides policy recommendations to foster sustainable development. KNCC operates under three main pillars: providing grants through the KNCF to NGOs, promoting biodiversity awareness among businesses, and contributing to environmental policymaking. By connecting corporate responsibility with ecological action, KNCC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing conservation efforts globally.
About the Grant
The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF), established as a public trust in April 2000, is managed by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited. The fund receives contributions from corporations and individuals and allocates approximately ¥160 million annually to support biodiversity and natural resource conservation. It assists NGOs working on nature conservation projects in developing nations—especially across Asia and Oceania—and in Japan. The fund offers four categories of grants:
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Basic A Grant: For first-time applicants, up to ¥1 million for small-scale projects.
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Basic B Grant: For grassroots organizations in UN-designated Least Developed Countries, up to ¥1 million.
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Standard Grant: For mid-sized projects, up to ¥10 million for up to three years.
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Collaboration Grant: For large-scale, multi-organization projects, up to ¥20 million annually for three years.
The KNCF aims to encourage innovative, collaborative approaches to conservation and sustainable development.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include legally incorporated organizations or recognized voluntary bodies with at least three years of experience in nature conservation. They must have a proven track record of implementing conservation projects and demonstrate the ability to manage grants responsibly. Applicants should submit audited financial statements or equivalent documentation for the past three years to confirm fiscal transparency and credibility. NGOs from developing countries, especially within Asia and Oceania, are encouraged to apply. Organizations should present clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability plans for their conservation activities. Preference will be given to projects that foster local community participation, promote biodiversity restoration, sustainable use of resources, and partnerships between civil society, government, and private sectors. Multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those involving collaboration with government agencies, local communities, or corporate partners, are highly valued.
How to Apply?
Applicants should submit a short CV (max. 1 page) and a story/research pitch (up to 300 words). Up to two pitches may be submitted, with one being selected for development.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 20 November 2024.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
