Program Overview

This program selects individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who are affected by leprosy in countries where leprosy remains a problem as “Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholars.” The program aims to develop them as role models within the leprosy community and foster future leaders who will have a broad societal impact. The main components of the program are as follows:

1. 1.Basic Training: Lectures on leprosy and related issues, and general knowledge necessary for independent living.
2. 2.Individual Education Program: Participation in vocational training, certification programs, language classes, etc., based on each scholar’s interests.
3. 3.Small-scale Projects: Planning and implementation of small-scale projects to support the leprosy community.
4. 4.Participation in SLI Activities: Involvement in social media promotion, contributions to the Leprosy Bulletin, participation in webinars, and attending relevant seminars and conferences.

Note: Reports on the pilot project currently being implemented in Colombia and Indonesia from 2024 can be found here.
Details about the program we are recruiting for can be found here.

Eligibility for Application

Only organizations that have participated in the online information session will be eligible to apply. To register for the information session, please apply here (deadline: November 30). After registering, we will inform you of the session schedule.

Application Period

• ・Online information session registration: November 19 – November 30, 2024
• ・Application for participating in the program: December 20, 2024 – January 31, 2025

Program Duration

April 1, 2025 – March 10, 2027 (2 years)

Eligible Organizations

• ・Organizations of persons affected by leprosy or organizations that support persons affected by leprosy (only non-profit organizations).
• ・Organizations capable of preparing application forms and reports in English.
• ・Organizations that have a bank account capable of receiving grant funds.

Budget (per organization)

• ・Up to $40,000 (for two years). Please refer to the model budget sheet for details.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• ・Understanding of the program’s goals and objectives.
• ・The credibility of the organization (track record, transparency in sharing information, ability to achieve project objectives, legal status, etc.).
• ・Ability to report and communicate in English.
• ・Willingness to continue supporting the development of young persons affected by leprosy after the SLI program ends.

Notes

• ・Our fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.
• ・The grant will be paid in two installments: 80% in the first payment, and the remaining balance will be adjusted based on the annual financial report. Unused funds must be returned.
• ・Please keep all receipts for expenditures.
• ・A bank account in the name of the organization is necessary to receive funds.

How to Apply

After attending the online information session (registration form), complete and submit the application form. Results will be announced at the end of February 2025.

Handling of Personal Information

Personal information collected during the grant application process will be used in accordance with our foundation’s privacy policy for administrative procedures related to the grant program, grant announcements, event invitations, surveys, and various notifications.

For inquiries about the grant, please contact:
grant@shf.or.jp