Major funding opportunity for Honolulu organizations to collaborate with our Japanese sister cities!
THE OPPORTUNITY
- Grant: U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant
- Amount: Up to $25,000
- Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Focus: Collaborative projects addressing shared global challenges
Sister Cities International and the U.S.-Japan Foundation are funding “living laboratory” projects between U.S. and Japanese sister cities on issues like climate change, aging populations, youth engagement, sustainability, and community revitalization.
HONOLULU’S ADVANTAGE
We have 14 Japanese partnerships: 8 Sister Cities, 6 Friendship Cities – from Hiroshima (since 1959) to Yamaguchi and Shonai (2025). 2025 marks 170 years of U.S.-Japan relations, making this especially meaningful timing.
REQUIRED: MOCA COORDINATION
All applications must be coordinated through the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA), steward of Honolulu’s Sister City Program by December 15, 2025.
⚠️ Applications without MOCA coordination will not receive sister city support.
WHY WORK WITH MOCA?
✅ Access to Japanese sister city contacts
✅ Required letter of support
✅ Guidance on project design
✅ Expertise on sister city partnerships
QUESTIONS?
Contact MOCA:
- Email: moca-info@honolulu.gov
- Phone: 808-768-4227 (primary, direct to Sister City Coordinator) or 808-728-6622
- More info: www.SisterCities.org
Act now – December 15 MOCA deadline is approaching!
